As we celebrate the NHS turning 73 in July, it is important to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year. In such challenging circumstances, we have seen our NHS staff, volunteers, partners and local communities in south east London pulling together to deliver a record-breaking COVID-19 vaccination programme.
We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been a part of this successful vaccination drive. Throughout July, we will be sharing stories from some of our incredible colleagues working in the Primary Care Networks across our six boroughs.
Click below to hear from some of the people behind our vaccination programme – their reflections on last year, and their hopes for the future.
Dr Atul Sharma, GP Partner in Greenwich
Dr Atul Sharma has been a GP for 11 years, and a GP Partner at Plumstead Health Centre PMS since 2016. He is the Clinical Director of the Unity Greenwich PCN since 2019.
Here he talks about her experience working in Greenwich.
Stacey James, Reception Manager at Deptford Surgery
Stacey is the Reception Manager at the Deptford Surgery in New Cross. She has worked there since 2020, having previously worked at Lewisham Medical Centre.
She became a non-clinical vaccinator earlier this year, and according to one of her doctor colleagues, “has accumulated so much knowledge she is a real resource to our team and our patients. She has administered a squillion doses at various vaccination clinics.”
Sally Phelps, COVID Vaccinator in Bromley
Sally Phelps is a covid vaccinator working at the Bromley Civic Centre. She started work in the centre in March, having first trained at St Guys and Thomas’ Hospital. She also works as bank staff for the covid vaccination programme at Kings.
Here she talks about her experience working in Bromley.
Dr George Verghese, GP Partner at Waterloo Health Centre
Dr George Verghese has been a GP Partner at Waterloo Health Centre in Lambeth since 2013 and North Lambeth Primary Care Network since 2018. He is also Co-Chair of Lambeth Clinical Cabinet.
He shares his experience of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Lambeth.
Dr Sebastian Kalwij, GP Partner at Amersham Vale Practice in Lewisham
Dr Sebastian Kalwij has been a GP Partner at Amersham Vale Practice in south east London since 2014 and Clinical Director for North Lewisham PCN since March 2020. He has been a GP for almost 20 years. He reflects on the events of the last year and talks about his hopes for the future.