Innovations often come from adversity and one GP surgery in Cockermouth has developed an innovative approach to ensuring that as many people as possible can get the flu jab in the current COVID-19 circumstances.
Rachel Edwards, Prescribing & Business Support Lead at Castlegate Surgery & Pharmacy, was looking at options to get the flu jab service out and about to the local communities and approached Carlisle-based machinery dealer Lloyd Ltd to see if they had a tractor and trailer which they could use.
Fortunately, Lloyd Ltd not only had a tractor they were more than happy to lend them – unsurprising as they are one of the largest New Holland dealers in the country – but they also had their mobile hospitality unit which had stood unused all summer as a result of all the local agricultural shows being cancelled.
Lloyd Ltd Managing Director Barry Lloyd commented: “When Rachel at Castlegate & Derwent Surgery approached us with her idea, we were delighted to able to support her and her team. This year has been challenging enough – particularly for the NHS – so we are really proud to be able to use our resources to help deliver much-needed healthcare services to the local communities.
“Sadly, as all the local agricultural shows have been cancelled this year, our show unit hasn’t been out at all so it is great to see it being put to such good use.
“This new New Holland tractor will be ideal to get this mobile service out and about whatever the location and it should hopefully attract attention to boost awareness of the services the NHS is still able to offer. We wish Rachel and her team all the best and look forward to seeing them out and about.”
The mobile flu jab service has already proved highly popular with hundreds of people having made the most of the surgery coming to their local community. The unit will be out and about at local schools, auction marts and other local venues over the next few months.
