We are The Christie magazine November 2024

Under the microscope to find out how it’s all going. ?

Vaccinators Our staff vaccination campaign at The Christie is currently in full swing and we thought it’d be nice to catch up with one of our vaccinators, Rhona Johnson,

Q: How has this year’s vaccination campaign been going so far? A: It’s going well, I believe all available appointments are booked at the moment and drop-ins are busy too, so take up has been good. Q: Why did you sign up to be a vaccinator? A: I am a roaming vaccinator, which means that I'm on the move and administer vaccinations around the Trust. I signed up because nurses at ward level can find it difficult to get to appointments in the hub, so we are taking the vaccines to them to make things easier, especially for staff coming off a night shift. Q: What has the response been like so far, are people eager to get vaccinated? A: Response has been good; staff have been keen to get their vaccines. There was a two day delay getting COVID-19 vaccines in for the start of the campaign and staff were asking for updates on their arrival. That shows how keen people are to get protected. Q: Why do you think it’s important that staff at The Christie get vaccinated? A: It’s important not just for ourselves, but also for our patients who are already in a vulnerable category, and not forgetting our friends and family at home.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s unsure about getting vaccinated? A: Come and speak to one of the vaccinators or seek someone in the vaccine hub. Alternatively, speak to your colleagues that may have already been vaccinated. It’s safe, quick and easy. Q: What would you say to a staff member that is thinking about signing up as a vaccinator next year? A: Go for it! There is some online training to do, but the more people there are - the better the service that can be provided. If you are going to sign up, please make sure you are up to date with Basic Life Support (BLS) and have been fit tested. Q: Has there been any particularly rewarding or memorable moments working on the campaign so far? Vaccinating very nervous members of staff and them saying they’re really scared of needles or “is it going to really hurt?” and telling them I’ve already done it – they didn’t feel a thing.

"It’s going well, I believe all available appointments are booked at the moment and drop-ins are busy too, so take up has been good"

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