The Ruby Country Medical Group have started, alongside the rest of the country, their COVID vaccination programme.

Last Friday (January 8) Holsworthy Medical Centre, part of the Ruby Country Medical Group, received the first batch of the new Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

After receiving their box, nurses from the Centre went on to distribute the vaccination to local care and nursing homes.

Dr Alexandra Brown, GP Partner at Holsworthy Medical Centre, said: “We’re very pleased that this new vaccine is arriving at vaccination centres in Devon, and that Holsworthy has been one of the first practices to receive the vaccine. We will now be able to protect many more vulnerable people against COVID-19 in our local area, including patients from Holsworthy, Stratton, Neetside, Bradworthy and Hatherleigh practices.

“Our teams are working extremely hard to create clinics, invite eligible patients and safely vaccinate as many people as possible, including our local care home residents and staff, in line with national guidance.

“It’s a very busy time for all GP practices, we understand people will want these vaccines, however I would urge local people not to make things harder for us by calling your GP practice to enquire about receiving the vaccine. We will contact you as soon as we are able to get you vaccinated.”