A new report by the King’s Fund has praised Gloucestershire GPs for delivering the best COVID-19 vaccination programme in the country.
Stroud constituency is, quite literally, the home of vaccination. The first ever vaccination took place in Berkeley in 1796, carried out by local GP Dr Edward Jenner. It is therefore fitting that more than two centuries later, local GP practices delivered the fastest and most effective vaccination service in the country during the dark winter of 2020–21, and throughout much of the year that followed.
Dr Simon Opher MP said: “Stroud really is the birthplace of vaccination, so it feels especially meaningful that our local GPs went on to deliver the best COVID vaccination programme in the country.”
The success of the programme was firmly rooted in its local delivery. By placing GP practices at the heart of the rollout, Gloucestershire was able to move quickly, efficiently, and with the trust of patients already in place.
Dr Opher added: “This success happened because we relied on local GP practices who know their patients and are trusted by them. That local knowledge made all the difference.”
Vaccination remains the single most effective healthcare intervention ever invented. Dr Opher, who was heavily involved in the rollout, said:
“Vaccination has saved more lives than any other medical intervention in history. The COVID programme showed just how powerful it can be when it’s delivered well.”
Local people and local knowledge proved vital. Practices were able to come together rapidly to begin protecting the population, and within days an army of volunteers had put themselves forward to help.
In Dursley, staff from local GP practices and Vale Community Hospital worked tirelessly to deliver the first vaccines over Christmas 2020. Systems were developed and refined at speed, allowing teams to vaccinate safely and efficiently. By the end of the first week, up to 1,000 people a day were being vaccinated.
Dr Opher said: “What I saw was extraordinary teamwork. From clinicians to receptionists to volunteers, everyone pulled together with one goal: protecting our community.”
The King’s Fund report shows that, compared with areas relying on mass vaccination centres, GP-led teams delivered vaccines faster and more efficiently than anywhere else in the country.
The report also highlights the importance of strong relationships with the Integrated Care Board. In Gloucestershire, this was led by Helen Goodey, Director of Primary Care and Place, whose support was critical.
On 9 January 2021, for a brief but remarkable period, the Stroud area was the best-vaccinated place in the world.
Many local people deserve recognition for their contribution, including surgery staff, nurses, doctors, district nurses, care home staff and volunteers. Dr Richard Probert led vaccine delivery alongside Dr Opher; Paul Walley coordinated volunteers in Dursley; and Sandor Gardiner developed a QR code system that dramatically sped up patient logging and was later adopted nationally.
Dr Opher said: “This report confirms what we already knew locally – that small GP practices are the bedrock of the NHS, especially when unexpected emergencies arise.”
He added: “Dr Edward Jenner would have been proud of what Gloucestershire achieved.”
