50,000 jabs for Sandwell vaccination hub
A GP-led vaccination centre in Oldbury has reached a major milestone, delivering its 50,000th dose of the lifesaving Covid-19 jab.
Portway Lifestyle Centre has been hosting vaccinations since December 2020, led by GPs from the Portway Family Practice on behalf of a network of 22 local surgeries.
The 50,000th dose was delivered on Friday, May 7 to 60-year-old Shinda Ram, a self employed businessman from Smethwick.
Mr Ram, who was there to receive his second dose, said: “I am thankful to the staff here and in the whole of the NHS for working so hard during the pandemic and helping us to start to get back to normal.
“I already feel safer now I’ve had my second dose. I would encourage other people to come and get vaccinated when it is their turn, and to not forget to have the second dose.”
The Primary Care Networks, along with large-scale vaccination centres and selected local pharmacies, have together delivered more than 900,000 doses of the vaccine across the Black Country and West Birmingham (BCWB) to date.
Dr Arun Saini, clinical director for Citrus Health PCN and lead GP for the Portway Lifestyle Centre vaccination service, added: “This really is an incredible milestone to reach and it is all down to the amazing teamwork from our GP practices and partners, including Sandwell Leisure Trust who provided us with this excellent space.
“Our staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond to encourage people to come forward and ensure they have a good experience when they do. I’m proud of what the team has achieved.
“The response from our patients has been fantastic, but I would encourage everyone who has received an invitation from the NHS to please continue to come forward – it’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
