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.”

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."