Staff and Volunteers were surprised on Friday afternoon to receive a visit from the Leader of 1st Robertsbridge Scouts who presented Deirdre Kelly and her team with a Community Hero award.
The scout group like to recognise Local Community Heroes to thank them for their particular service to the community in which we live and work. They said ”Many, many people nominated the staff and volunteers at The Etchingham Centre with their thanks for all they have been doing”.
Deirdre Kelly, the Ops Manager, on receiving the award with Clinical leads Amanda Clement and Camille Morris, said “This is for all of you, we are a great team. Thank you, this has made my week”.
Deidre also received a specially knitted teddy complete with syringe.
The centre at Etchingham is run by the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and began supporting the national vaccination programme in January 2021. Nurses, Doctors, Medical Practitioners and Administration staff from Ferry Road and all the other local surgeries have been supported by retired NHS health professionals, furloughed Air Crew and others to screen and vaccinate patients from surgeries in Rye, Battle, Sedlescombe and Westfield, Robertsbridge and Burwash. Whilst volunteers from all over the community have stepped up to act as ‘welcomers’ and stewards to be a friendly face and a listening ear.
One volunteer commented “ It has been amazing to be a part of such a happy, friendly team and an honour to support the NHS in this vital vaccination programme. This award recognises the contribution each of us are making to the wellbeing of our neighbours, families and to the hope to be able to move forward”
Pat the Bus even got a special mention for her teams efforts and commitment to the free transport for patients they have provided throughout the programme.
