Gainsborough residents response to Covid-19 vaccine has been 'heartwarming'

A Gainsborough ward councillor says he has been overwhelmed by the ‘heartwarming’ response of residents receiving their Covid-19 vaccinations.
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John Coupland Hospital opened its doors to become the latest vaccination centre to open in the district, along with the Lincolnshire Showground.

In the first nine days, around 3,500 people were reported to have received their vaccinations at the Gainsborough site.

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Coun Jim Snee, a West Lindsey District Councillor, who also works at the hospital as a Support Services Team Leader, witnessed first-hand the impact the centre is having.

Coun JIm SneeCoun JIm Snee
Coun JIm Snee

He said he was moved by the ‘relief and pride’ people were feeling after having had the vaccination.

Coun Snee said: “Some of the comments have been fantastic. We have had people literally in tears, thanking us, they are so grateful.

"One lady said to me, she hasn’t been out for the best part of ten months, and this was better than going to the beach. She really was so pleased.

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“Everybody has been so grateful for what we have been doing and it’s been a massive effort from everybody.

"The people of Gainsborough and the district have come together and it has been a really good team effort. We just need to keep it going.”

As the vaccination rollout continues, Coun Snee said he wanted to give special recognition to the number of volunteers who are helping out.

At John Coupland Hospital there are about 16 volunteers per day who are working in roles such as car park attendants, reception, directing patients to seats and monitoring after them for 15 minutes after the vaccination, to free up the medical staff time.

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Coun Snee said: “The volunteers have been absolutely fantastic. This is the key thing – without the help of the volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible for the medical people to do what they need to do.

“We still are encouraging people to volunteer because even though they might not get called up this time, the key is – when we get going faster, we will need more volunteers. If you have already applied to be a volunteer and haven’t been contacted, don’t worry, you will be.

“This has been a positive and heart-warming experience. I am really proud to be a part of it.”

Coun Snee is urging the public to not contact the hospital or their GP to try and book an appointment.

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He said: “Your GP practice will contact you when it is your turn."

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