THREE new sites have been set up in Dorset to deliver the coronavirus vaccine to the most vulnerable.

GP-led sites in north Dorset have added to the initial ten sites rolling out the Covid vaccine.

Dorset County Hospital, in Dorchester, and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital are also delivering the vaccine, meaning there are 14 vaccination sites across the BCP and Dorset Council areas.

The three new sites are the Sturminster Newton Medical Centre, The Digby Hall and the Whitecliff Surgery.

Sites have been developed by primary care networks (groups of local GP practices) who have worked together to develop detailed plans to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations in their wider community locations.

Primary care networks have been working round the clock to rapidly to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to deliver vaccines. 

Dr Simone Yule, a GP and Clinical Director for the Blackmore Vale partnership, said “I am delighted and relieved that we can start the new year with such good news for people in north Dorset and am delighted that we can begin to offer those who are most at risk their vaccination to protect against Covid-19.

“The vaccination roll-out is continuing to gather momentum and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved for their help in making this happen, I’d also ask anyone who is invited to accept the offer and come along to get their jab, not just to protect themselves but to reduce the risk to others.”

Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset, added: “We’re pleased to see the vaccination programme continuing to expand and being offered from more sites across Dorset.

“However, we are in the early stages of the vaccine rollout, and the recent announcement of another national lockdown should serve as a reminder to everyone that we are still in a very serious situation.

“Whilst the vaccine offers us some hope of a return to a more normal way of life, the rise in case rates across Dorset and BCP Council areas is extremely concerning. We must all stay at home unless absolutely necessary to stop the spread, protect the NHS and save lives.”

The full list of Dorset’s vaccination sites is as follows:

  • The Vale Network - Sturminster Newton Medical Centre, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1QU
  • Sherborne Area Network – The Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AA
  • Blandford Primary Care Network – Whitecliff Surgery, Whitecliff Mill Street, Blandford Forum, DT11 7BH
  • Dorset County Hospital – Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY
  • University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust – Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW
  • Christchurch Primary Care Network - Stour Surgery, 49 Barrack Road, Christchurch, BH23 1PA
  • North Bournemouth Primary Care Network - Talbot Medical Centre, 63 Kinson Road, Bournemouth, BH10 4BX
  • Shore Medical Primary Care Network - Heatherview Medical Centre, 2 Alder Park, Alder Road, Parkstone, Poole, BH12 4AY
  • Wimborne & Ferndown Primary Care Network - St Leonards Hospital, Ringwood Road, St Leonards, Ringwood, BH24 2RR
  • Crane Valley Primary Care Network - St Leonards Hospital, Ringwood Road, St Leonards, Ringwood, BH24 2RR
  • Weymouth & Portland Primary Care Network - Weymouth Community Hospital, 3 Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, DT4 7TB
  • Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network - Bridport Medical Centre, W Allington, Bridport, DT6 5BN
  • Central Bournemouth Primary Care Network - St Albans Medical Centre, 26-28 St Alban’s Crescent, Bournemouth, BH8 9EW
  • Bournemouth East Collaborative Network - Beaufort Road Practice, 21 Beaufort Road, Bournemouth, BH6 5AJ
  • Poole Bay & Bournemouth Primary Care Network - Westbourne Medical Centre, Milburn Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth, BH4 9HJ