Vaccination site in Bath city centre opens at the Pavilion building

The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine continues as Bath Pavilion opened its doors today to provide a local primary care-led vaccination service.

The service is provided by Bath and North East Somerset Enhanced Medical Services (BEMS) which is an alliance of the GP practices across Bath and North East Somerset.

In line with national priorities, the site will administer vaccinations to the over 80s, and high risk and vulnerable NHS and care staff. 

The professional team is supported by a group of volunteers, who have generously come forward from local businesses via the Compassionate Community Hub to do what they can to help. 

Kathryn Andrews, 92, from Bath, said: “Having my vaccination today means I shan’t have to worry so much about getting coronavirus. 

“It will also mean I won’t have to stay indoors so much and I’ll be able to see my grandchildren again. 

“I’m so glad I’ve had my jab and everyone here is doing a fantastic job”

Jeffrey and Elaine Bartlett, from Lansdown said: “We came along today because we want to be protected. 

“We had to wait in the rain, but it was worth it. Everything has been so well organised and everyone here is doing a great job.” 

Dr Andrew Smith, Chief Executive of BEMS and a GP at Combe Down Surgery said: “We’ve had to move fast to get the site ready and this has been made significantly easier by the wealth of volunteers and offers of support that have flooded in from local businesses and communities. 

“From the donation of screens by Bath University, logistics support from Bath Rugby Club, to a whole team of volunteers coming from the Pump Rooms and the local Duke of Edinburgh programme, we’ve been inspired by the collective willingness and generosity of local businesses and organisations in helping us to open the site.”

“As we continue to vaccinate the Bath public in the coming weeks and months, we will need yet more volunteers to support the team and so we would love to hear from other local organisations who can pledge a regular session of volunteer employees on a designated day or week.”

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Quality, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This week we see more local vaccination services opening to vaccinate the highest priority groups as the NHS continues to roll out the largest ever vaccination programme.

“The NHS will contact patients when it is their turn to be vaccinated. 

“To help the NHS manage the vaccination programme, please don’t call your GP or hospital but wait to get invited.

“We will get to everyone, but this huge programme is a marathon not a sprint.”

Jason Curtis, Regional Business Manager South West and Wales at GLL, which runs Bath Pavilion, said: “GLL are delighted to be supporting BEMS with their roll out of the vaccination programme and hope to see a lot of the local community receive their vaccination over the next few weeks.”