A TEAM of medical staff and volunteers at a vaccination hub say they are proud of their achievements after announcing they will stop giving the life-saving jabs tomorrow.

The Pump House surgery, in Earls Colne, has spearheaded the area’s Covid-19 vaccination efforts in recent months.

The surgery is part of the Colne Valley Primary Care Network (PCN) which has a number of practices around the north of the district, covering Halstead, the Colnes, the Hedinghams, Kelvedon, Feering, Coggeshall and Finchingfield.

Pump House was chosen to be the network’s primary vaccination centre because of its central location.

Since opening, the surgery’s staff and a team of volunteers have administered more than 34,000 vaccinations to the over-50s and patients at risk.

Clinical director Dr Paul Spowage said “The vaccination programme has been an amazing team effort, bringing the community of the Colne Valley together, with hundreds of volunteers directing patients in all weathers, with support from the residents around the Pump House, local clinical volunteers covering hours of our vaccination clinics, alongside a dedicated team of administrators and practice staff.

“The six practices of the Colne Valley PCN have worked together to make sure that as many patients in older and vulnerable groups as possible have been vaccinated without any wasted vaccines.

“Everyone involved can be very proud of being part of such an important programme.”

The end of vaccinations at Pump House comes in Volunteers Week.

Surgery bosses praised the work of volunteers.

The network said without their help and goodwill, the service would not have been as successful as it was.

Businesses also helped with snow clearing, car parking facilities and gifts of food and drink for staff and volunteers.

Residents even came out with cups of tea.

Volunteer Joan Preston, from Hedingham, said: “As the vaccination programme at Pump House Surgery draws to a close, I am flooded with pride and gratitude to have been part of the extraordinary effort.

“The small but ever so mighty crew of volunteers, doctors and nurses have given their time and energy to ensuring that our battle against the coronavirus is one worthy of remembering, and I for one will never take for granted the opportunity I had to proudly do my part alongside such wonderful comrades.”

Rachel and Tim Bush, of Bures, added: “It’s been a pleasure to volunteer alongside such a fabulous group of dedicated people, both professionals and volunteers alike, and to have played a small part in what has been and continues to be an amazing national effort.”

Residents falling into the next phase of the national programme, aged from 18 to 49, will receive their vaccination at a larger vaccination centre or community pharmacies when it is their time to have it.