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Telford College tutors to deliver Covid vaccines

Two Telford College tutors will begin helping to deliver Covid vaccines across Shropshire this month after completing their official training.

Elaine Colley and Tracy Leah, from the health and social care department, will join vaccination volunteers working at Telford International Centre and Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre.

They have completed eight hours of online training, and a one-day practical course, with St John Ambulance – all accredited by the NHS and Public Health England.

It’s the same course which nurses have to complete to be able to

Elaine and Tracy, who are in a work bubble | Telford College
Elaine and Tracy, who are in a work bubble | Telford College

administer the vaccine, and means they can now volunteer for shifts anywhere in the country.

Tracy said: “We’re going to be starting on March 13, working across the sites in Telford and Shrewsbury.

“Not only is this a fabulous opportunity for us to give something back and join the Covid vaccination effort, we hope it will also encourage our health learners to volunteer for St John service.

“It’s important to gain as much experience as possible in the field of health and social care – and hopefully we are leading by example.”

The training which Tracy and Elaine completed included units on how to administer both the Oxford and Pfizer vaccines, treatment of any reactions or side-effects, and communication skills.

Elaine, who also returned to NHS service last year to help on Covid respiratory wards, added: “After the pandemic we will both keep volunteering in a similar capacity.

“Encouraging our students to gain valuable experience gives them a much better chance to move into the career of their dreams.

“Students who do participate in this type of volunteering have an advantage when applying for university; it’s the best way of learning.

“So if there’s something positive to come out of this situation, our students will hopefully be in a better place.”