THE COVID vaccination centre in Cinderford reached its first anniversary just before Christmas - and has administered more than 112,500 shots of vaccine since then.

The vaccination centre, based at the former health centre in Dockham Road, Cinderford is now able to provide more 850 vaccinations per day to anyone who is eligible, whether or not they live in the Forest.

That is expected to increase as the rule which says people have to wait 15 minutes after having the jab before leaving the centre.

Some Forest practices are now able to support the vaccination centre by vaccinating in their own surgeries.

The Cinderford centre was set up from scratch in just a few weeks by a small team of people in the Forest of Dean Primary Care Network - which is made up of 11 practices in the district - on top of their usual roles and supported by the Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group,

Local GPs Sophia Sandford, of Brunston and Lydbrook Surgery and Dr Paul Weiss of Mitcheldean have been in overall charge as clinical directors as well as administering vaccines.

Over the past year, around 120 additional staff,ranging from 16- to 75-years-old ,have been working in the centre as vaccinators, administrators and marshals, many of them working around education, work and family commitments while others have returned from retirement.

Others who have played a significant role in the set-up and functioning of the centre include business manager Andrea Jones (who is practice manager at Brunston and Lydbrook, lead nurse Nicki Davis, Coleford Heath Centre practic manager Bridget Docking who organises rotas,, technology training and user access, and Mitcheldean practice manager who is responsible for communications, assisted by Debbie Hope-Hill.

A spokesperson for the centre said: "Since the set-up, many other practice staff and GPs across the Forest have worked hard to support the vaccination programme by ensuring patients are called for their vaccinations at the appropriate times and many have worked shifts in the vaccination centre in both clinical and non-clinical roles."

Several of these staff who started on the opening day are still working there including vaccinator Verna Wheeler and administrator Daniel Jones.

The spokesperson added: "All staff have made an important contribution, and some deserve a special mention for their continued commitment including non-clinical staff Alicia Davis, Alice Smith, Cody Martin and Dan Jones.

"Also vaccinators, Susan De Camps, Sue Hillier, Debbie Mackaskill, Stephen Waters, Adam Morton and Verna Wheeler who have been the backbone of the vaccination team and have worked many thousands of hours between them.

"The PCN Pharmacy Team have also played a big part in the vaccination centre, especially Saran Braybrook and Becky Watkins.

"This has been, and continues to be, a very challenging project, but we are proud to have been able to provide this valuable service in the Forest of Dean, and we all really appreciate the positive feedback received from patients.