Philip Dunne MP last week visited a local GP practice to hear more about the booster vaccine rollout in South East Shropshire, and to thank GPs and staff for their efforts to keep the community healthy.

Mr Dunne met local GP Dr Jess Harvey, who is helping coordinate the vaccination programme for South East Shropshire, at the Much Wenlock & Cressage surgery. They discussed the rollout of covid booster jabs, but also the way in which local GPs are responding to significant demand for regular services.

Mr Dunne said:

“I was pleased to meet Dr Harvey, to talk through the booster programme for South East Shropshire, which is due to commence this coming week for the most vulnerable groups. The rollout of the first two doses has been extremely successful, with over 90% of people over 18 in Shropshire having had at least one dose, and 85.4% have had both doses. In a helpful change for local residents, booster vaccinations from South East Shropshire GPs will be delivered at local practices, rather than patients being required to travel to a central hub at Bridgnorth.

“We also discussed the huge workload all GP practices are facing with the backlog created by the pandemic. I am pleased to see all GP surgeries offering face to face appointments, but these are quite properly being triaged by an initial telephone call or email appointment. This helps clinicians have consultations with as many patients as possible each day. It also allows many patients to resolve their issue without the need for a physical appointment.

“I saw for myself the very high case load being seen to by the dedicated team at the Much Wenlock & Cressage practice, and was pleased to be able to thank them, and their colleagues across South Shropshire, for what they are doing to keep local residents healthy, in what has been a second stressful year for healthcare professionals on the frontline in responding to the pandemic.”

The public should not contact the NHS, including their GP Practice, for a booster vaccination, but instead should wait to be contacted by their GP. Those 12-15 year olds being home schooled or excluded will receive confirmation of how to access vaccination clinics shortly.

Mr Dunne’s visit occurred prior to his displaying any symptoms for Covid19. He has since tested positive, and is currently undertaking self-isolation due to end next week.