Celebrating one year of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme with Sutton’s inspirational volunteers

Volunteers – young and old and from all walks of life – have helped marshal community vaccination clinics and the large-scale vaccination centre in Sutton. The marshals help patients find their way through the site, checking they have an appointment, managing the queues and helping them to exit sites safely after their vaccination.

Dr Michael Pambos, local Sutton GP and lead for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Sutton, said:

“We are so grateful to the many people in Sutton who have volunteered to be part of the Covid-19 vaccine programme. Their continued hard work at the St Nicholas Centre, the Thomas Wall Centre and Wallington Old Town Hall is very much appreciated. Thank you to all of our volunteers, including the organisations we worked with at pop up Covid vaccination clinics at Hill House and Wentworth Hall. Your commitment over the past year has been exceptional and your hard work will have helped save many lives.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has come forward for their vaccination. We have vaccinated over 340,000 people in Sutton and would encourage everyone who is yet to be vaccinated or is due a second dose or booster to come down to one of our vaccination centres and have their jab.”

Dr Imran Choudhury, Director of Public Health and the London Borough of Sutton, said:

“It is truly amazing how volunteers, medical professionals and colleagues across the voluntary and public sector have come together to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme. The spirit and willingness of volunteers to step in, adapt and serve the community really exemplifies their commitment to keep Sutton safe and fight this virus. A massive thank you to all of the volunteers for their hard work and sacrifice.”

Anita Maullin, Chief Executive at Volunteer Centre Sutton, said:

“For the volunteers, being part of the largest vaccination programme ever delivered in England has provided a sense of purpose and a greater feeling of belonging in their community, with rewarding patient facing roles, as well as a new network of friends.”

“Working with the GPs, the pharmacists and all the other staff involved with the vaccination programme in Sutton has been a wonderful experience and I am delighted that Volunteer Centre Sutton was able to be part of it.”

Phil Wallace, volunteer and now a qualified vaccinator, said:

“I’ve made many friends and it was wonderful working with the other volunteers.  I am proud that we helped to get so many people vaccinated. I am now a qualified vaccinator and love the contact with the patients and other vaccinators. I am so happy to be volunteering.”

People aged 18 and over, along with those in high risk groups can book in for their life-saving Covid booster jab three months after their second dose as the NHS vaccine programme is extended.

The online booking system for vaccines is being updated and more appointments slots are being added regularly. Find out more here: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination – NHS (www.nhs.uk). Alternatively you can call 119.