COVID-19 vaccinations have now started at Salisbury District Hospital, with residents over 80-years-old receiving the treatment earlier today.

The first people to be vaccinated by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust were Salisbury residents James Pratt, aged 86, and Norma Pratt, 83.

Priority staff members also received the vaccination, with consultant anaesthetist Duncan Murray the first staff member to be vaccinated.

The vaccination will be given first to those in the priority groups including residents aged 80-years-old or older, high-risk and vulnerable residents, NHS staff and care home staff.

The NHS will be contacting people in the priority groups to make an appointment for the vaccination.

Staff nurse Catherine Hall, who is administering some of the vaccinations, said: “I’m thrilled to be vaccinating the first 'over 80s' in Salisbury. This is a big step forward in getting life back to normal.”

The trust has described the start of the vaccination process for Salisbury as a "milestone", and director of nursing Judy Dyos said: “We are delighted to begin this programme which is a big part of protecting our community.

"This is a marathon and not a sprint, and while starting the vaccination programme here in Salisbury is great news we must continue to adhere to all of the safety guidelines , please remember to regularly wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance.”

She added: “Can members of the public please not contact the hospital; the NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to be offered the vaccine.”

This follows the news that Wiltshire will be entering Tier 3 on December 31.

As previously reported, on December 29 the number of patients testing positive for Covid-19 at Salisbury District Hospital was 47 - higher than the maximum number of cases onsite during the first wave in April.

As a result the hospital has announced that all visiting has been suspended, except for visiting those receiving end of life care and patients with special needs.