MORE volunteers are needed as the battle to vaccinate the county continues.

The Bridport Medical Centre has acted as a vaccination hub for the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network since December and has been notching up more than 1,100 jabs per session.

Over the past four months, a huge number of volunteers have signed up to serve their community as Covid clinic marshals to help the elderly and vulnerable to get their vaccinations as quickly as possible. In the words of one of the volunteers, “the quicker we get everyone vaccinated, the quicker we can all get back to the pub.”

As life once again begins to return to 'normality', the medical centre needs more volunteers as people have had to go back to jobs in tourism, services and hairdressing or look after their children or grandchildren.

The role of vaccination hub volunteer is largely guiding patients round, through and out of the building but it can also include dog-sitting, assisting those with car troubles and preventing people reversing into each other. Along with making sure the day runs smoothly, marshals are there to provide a reassuring hand to fragile and frightened patients.

A number of volunteers have spoken of how they genuinely enjoy the work, with one saying "it’s a privilege to volunteer and a nice fuzzy feeling to know that you’ve made a difference". Another said "each time we are thanked I think to myself I am getting so much out of this experience. I am proud to work alongside so many lovely people”.

Caroline Pearce. one of the assistant leaders of the Bridport Coronavirus Support Group, said: "There is a really strong relationship between medical staff, administrators and volunteers, oiled by humour, good will and cakes. Throw in the gratitude shown by patients, the volunteers go home with a sense of fulfilment and the strong desire to return shift after shift. 

"Everyone in the volunteer team feels a strong sense of community and duty and have found the shifts rewarding as they know it offers a way out of the pandemic.

"Even if you can only volunteer for a couple of shifts a month, it will make all the difference in helping to get our community vaccinated."

The next clinic is taking place today and will see patients invited back for their second dose of their Pfizer and AZ vaccines.

There will no longer be free vaccination parking at the bus station carpark in the town centre.

The new parking location will be the field behind the Bridport Medical Centre. Those attending the clinic will need to turn into Edwards Close where they will be greeted by one of the volunteers who will give directions.

Only disabled, blue badge holders or people with any disabilities will be able to park within the main Bridport Medical Centre car park via the main entrance.

Centre staff have asked that anyone attending helps them by entering the correct parking area.

Vaccination clinics are currently taking place at the centre on most Wednesdays and Saturdays.

If you would like to join the team, please email volunteeringbmc@gmail.com or call Caroline on 01308 488123.