‘We don’t need new vaccine centre, just give us the supply’, says Sheffield GP

In an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield on Friday, Dr Ollie Hart, director of the Heeley-Plus Primary Care Network, said the city is currently not in need of a new delivery centre.

He was responding to a question from host Toby Foster, who asked if the money being spent on rent at the arena could be better used elsewhere.

Dr Hart said: "Maybe down the line when we have got so much vaccine and we don't know what to do with it. But right now, we don't need it.

"In general practice, we know people that trust us and we are working together with the local community that is making this work. That's all going to happen in the future."

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In a deal that was sealed between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation and the arena's operator, Sheffield City Trust, the arena will become a temporary site to administer coronavirus jabs to a huge number of people from the city and the region.

He added: "As soon as the government gets the vaccine, concentrate their effort into sourcing it. With the money spare, the energy spare, pump it into the vaccines, don't pump it in to (new) delivery centres."

He said the Matthews Practice, where he works, could deliver 700 vaccines a day but it has become restricted due to the national supply issue.

"We are now on our last day of vaccinating at where we are and we won't get another delivery until next Friday of 400 vaccines. So doing 700 vaccines a day is pretty restricted."

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He also stressed that the medical practitioners across the city "will rise to the challenge" if given sufficient supply by the government amid reports that vaccines are being diverted from Yorkshire to other areas in the country which are lagging behind in their vaccination rollout.

"I don't think we are being victimised but in some ways, we are the victims of our own success.

"The message back to the government is, look, just get us the supply, i'm sure they are doing it, but put all your energy into that and we will get this done for you."

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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.