On 19 January residents at Buckwood View, a nursing home for people who have learning disabilities, received their COVID-19 vaccinations.
The jabs are being given to care home residents as they fall into the government’s priority groups for vaccination. In the space of one afternoon 10 residents received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Residents at Buckwood View have a learning disability and require 24-hour nursing care.
Kay Pilley was amongst the first of the residents to get her jab. Kay said that she felt ‘really brave’ getting her jab and having her picture taken at the same time.
She also added the she hoped her mum would see how brave she had been if her picture was published in the newspaper.
Dr Savage of Heeley Green Surgery gave Kay her vaccination.
Dr David Newman, clinical director at Sheffield Health and Social Care said; ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for everyone, none more so than people with learning disabilities or autism. Their added health vulnerabilities and the need to shield many people in care homes has meant their lives have been completely changed. They have received excellent care by care staff devoted to them. However, this been delivered in a clinical manner with staff wearing full PPE including face masks. People miss the everyday joys of seeing the smile on their carers’ faces and having visits from their friends and family.
‘In this picture the smile on Kay’s face is a joy to see. She is setting a great example to people with learning disabilities by seeing her GP and having the vaccine. This action by Kay helps protect everyone in her home and local community. It is very important that all people with learning disabilities see their GP and receive an Annual Health Check and fill in a Health Passport.
‘Everyone’s health matters at this time and the vaccine is great news! It is my hope that this is the first step on the road back to normality for Kay and other people with learning disabilities and autism’.
