Vaccinator Theresa Churchwood runs through the Covid-19 vaccination guide with Wairarapa DHB Board Chair, Sir Paul Collins
“I wasn’t expecting it to be enjoyable!” he said. “But actually that’s exactly what it was. It was a very pleasant experience.”
Sir Paul put that down to the well organised and friendly atmosphere at the clinic, and the efficient ‘people flow’ format throughout the vaccination process.
“Often we go into waiting rooms at places, clinical or otherwise, and nobody even makes eye contact let alone says hello. My wife and I walked into the clinic and at least three people smiled and greeted us immediately,” he said. “None of the vaccination staff knew me, and I was impressed at the level of engagement.”
Now in its sixth week of vaccinations, the Wairarapa Hospital Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic is running smoothly, able to manage people through the process quickly and efficiently.
Sir Paul says he and his wife were in and vaccinated, and out of the clinic within half an hour.
“I was lucky enough to be in the capable hands of Theresa Churchwood, who tells me she has recently graduated as a nurse and joined the vaccination team,” Paul said. “She ran through the necessary questions and precautions clearly and thoroughly, and made me feel at ease and well looked after.”
“It is great to welcome such enthusiastic new grads to the DHB, and I wish her all the best for her future. She was superb.”
“This vaccination programme is a big rollout for our District Health Board and I know from my experience today that we will manage it, and we will do it well. I feel very reassured, and proud of our team,” Sir Paul said.
