Sheffield GP practice closes Covid-19 vaccination site after ‘significant reduction’ in supply

Several Sheffield GP hubs administering the Covid-19 vaccines have been forced to run on reduced supplies this week - with one having to stop operating completely.
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Heeley-Plus Public Care Network Clinical Director Dr Ollie Hart said there's been "significant reduction" in eight out of 15 vaccination centres across the city.

He however could not divulge which vaccination centres were affected by the supply issue but Mathews Practice where he works, has to be shut all week.

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"(We're) closed all this week. Hopefully start again next week, depending on our next delivery (but) no date confirmed yet. Very frustrating when the Arena centre opened yesterday,"

A medical practitioner delivering Covid-19 vaccine to a patient at Mathews Practice.A medical practitioner delivering Covid-19 vaccine to a patient at Mathews Practice.
A medical practitioner delivering Covid-19 vaccine to a patient at Mathews Practice.

Dr Hart was referring to Sheffield FlyDSA Arena, which opened its doors on its first day as a vaccination centre yesterday.

He had previously questioned the opening of the mass vaccination centre when the Government should have given its focus on the GP hubs administering the vaccine.

He also took his frustrations to Twitter, as to why the supply chain seems to be shrouded in secrecy.

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While referring to vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi, he wrote: "Not sure I understand the secrecy of the supply chain. We are ready to jump high for you in primary care, but a little insight into when and how much really helps us plan, and manage patient expectation.

"We are all in this together. One big team against our common foe. I did really appreciate @nadhimzahawi reference to global collaboration and kinship. Let's work together to address the limiting factors and find the quickest solution".

NHS England and Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group have been contacted for comments but have yet to respond.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.