King George Hospital opens Covid-19 vaccine hub

It is Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust’s second hub, following the hub which opened at Queen’s Hospital in December.

The trust has so far delivered more than 12,000 vaccination jabs.

Children’s A&E nurse Lola Smith said she felt “privileged” to receive the vaccine on the morning the King George hub opened on Wednesday, January 27.

Lola Smith. Photo: BHRUT

The 36-year-old said: “As a BAME member of staff, it’s important that we nurses start getting our vaccines to protect our families and to encourage others in our community to get the jab.

“It’s a privilege to get it, a real blessing, and I thank God for the opportunity.”

The first person to be jabbed was Joe Flynn, who works in the trust's Outpatients Clinic Prep department.

Joe Flynn. Photo: BHRUT

He said: “I feel proud to be the first person to receive the vaccine at the King George vaccination hub. I’ve worked for the Trust for six years and having my jab today feels like the first step back to normality.”

“I wasn’t sure about it at first but after looking into it and speaking to people, I feel very safe receiving the vaccine.”

Dr Anand Shirsalkar, who is one of the trust's consultant paediatricians, said he felt “great” to be jabbed and was also full of praise for his “gentle” vaccinator!

Dr Anand Shirsalkar. Photo: BHRUT

Speaking about the vaccine, he said: “This is our way to get back to normality. Also, my vaccinator, Sue, was great and very gentle!”

Amanda Kaur works for Mitie and has been based at King George Hospital for 16 years. She said: “I feel happy and safe to receive the vaccine, especially knowing that I am protecting my children and vulnerable family members.

Amanda Kaur. Photo: BHRUT

“Knowing you can carry the infection without even realising or showing symptoms, it is so important to receive the jab.”

Another member of the team who was delighted to be jabbed was Casrine Hudson-Williams, who is deputy matron for geriatrics at Queen’s Hospital.

Casrine William-Hudson. Photo: BHRUT

Casrine explained: “I feel privileged to know I work in a system where the Covid-19 vaccine is accessible.

“Having the jab is so important to help us prevent illness and fatalities. I encourage and support the vaccine, especially for my BAME colleagues. We have to protect ourselves and loved ones.”

One the trust’s heroes, Stephen Singh-Khakhian, came out of retirement in March to help front line services.

Stephen Songh-Khakhian. Photo: BHRUT

Stephen, a clinical lead at NELFT, helped deliver PPE before returning to Medical Devices when the first wave ended. He then volunteered to be redeployed as a vaccinator and was ready to jab at the hub launch.

Stephen said: “I’ve really enjoyed it, I feel like I’m making a real difference to people’s lives, taking them out of the way of Covid-19 and that gives me a lot of professional satisfaction.

“If I’m here vaccinating, it means a nurse can be on a ward in intensive care and helping patients who need it. I’m glad to play my part in the effort against the virus.

“The team has been really easy to assimilate into. The partnership working between BHRUT and NELFT has been excellent, and we have lots of common values.”