Western Trust mark the 100,000th Covid-19 dose

THE Western Health Trust delivered a timely boost for the Easter holidays with the news that its vaccination
teams have successfully administered its 100,000th dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The landmark is the latest local milestone in the vaccination programme, which is the largest of its kind ever undertaken by the NHS.

The programme is being delivered through a range of initiatives, including the operation of threevaccination centres, located at Omagh Leisure Centre, the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen and the Foyle Arena in Derry.

The centres have been set up in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and Fermanagh
and Omagh District Council through a collaborative working agreement.

The Trust has also facilitated vaccination delivery through its district, community and mobile nursing teams who have reached out to vaccinate specific vulnerable groups, including those in care homes, in supported living and
members of the homeless community.

The impressive achievement has been delivered through the coordinated efforts of Western Trust staff working closely with multi-agency groups and volunteers from across the Trust area.

The Western Trust hit the 100,000 dose target only a few days after the Department ofHealth announced the broadening of eligibility criteria to include those over 45-years-old.

People in eligible groups can now get their jab by attending a vaccination centre or a participating community pharmacy.

Those eligible also have the option of waiting for their GP to contact them to arrange their inoculation.

Western Trust director of performance and service improvement and vaccine programme lead, Teresa Molloy, said, “We’re delighted to be making such excellent progress in the roll out of what is the single largest mass vaccination programme ever undertaken by the health service.

“Reaching the 100,000th dose mark during the Easter break is truly an outstanding achievement, particularly in light of the fact the programme only began in December last year.

“Our staff, volunteers and partners have been working tirelessly to ensure that we have vaccinated the most vulnerable and high-risk people in our communities.

“To date we have successfully provided vaccines for care home residents, health and social care staff, and those who are clinically vulnerable”.