More than one thousand people a day are now being given their first coronavirus jab at the large public vaccination centre based at Bath Racecourse after the site doubled its capacity.
The vaccination centre at Bath Racecourse | Photo © RUH
The centre has also doubled its number of vaccination staff, increased its numbers of car parking marshals and volunteers and opened a second vaccination pod to help cope with demand.
Vaccine Centre Operations Director Heather Cooper said: “It’s a really significant day – as significant as the first day we opened.
“Five hundred people a day is a lot, but to double that and to double staff numbers is really impressive. It’s all been very positive and the feedback from public and staff has been great.”
Steve Jones, who travelled from Yate in South Gloucestershire for his appointment, said: “It’s been a really good experience and I’m so pleased I’ve had my first vaccination.
“Everyone’s been really friendly and it’s been quick and efficient. For me, once lockdown eases a bit, it means I can now get out in the open air and meet people again, watch my son play football, go back in to work and to socialise with people much more than we’ve done over the past 12 months.”
The vaccine centre is currently offering appointments to people in the 55+ age group and is ready to see those in the next group, the 50-year-olds and over, once they are invited to have their jab.
Vaccinations are ongoing at Bath Racecourse | Photo © BSWCCG
People are asked not to turn up at Bath Racecourse without an appointment as the vaccination staff will be unable to give the jab to anyone without a pre-arranged vaccine slot.
The vaccination centre has had to reschedule a number of appointments in April, May and June due to fixtures at Bath Racecourse, and has apologised for any inconvenience.
Appointments have been cancelled on 6th and 16th April, 3rd, 12th and 21st May, and 4th, 12th, 23rd and 30th June.
If you have had your appointment cancelled, make sure you re-book as soon as possible using the national booking system at nhs.uk/covidvaccination or call 119.
