Celebrations continue for our first Health and Social Care Support Workers Week in recognition of all the hard work and care our wonderful staff provide.
Claire Wilson is a Health Care Support Worker Vaccinator based in Lowlands Hall, Mass Vaccination Centre.
Claire first joined the Scottish Ambulance Service Mobile Testing Unit who were deployable throughout Scotland facilitating COVID-19 testing to the public.
After six successful months of working on the mobile testing unit, and with the great news that a vaccine was ready, she joined NHS Lothian vaccination programme providing administration support. Whilst working at the vaccination centre the opportunity arose for her to take part in a twelve-week training programme to become a Health Care Support Worker Vaccinator.
She said: “Having seen first-hand the care and dedication of the healthcare professionals already involved in the programme I was encouraged to join them. The training was a mixture of online learning, where I gained in-depth knowledge of vaccine development and immunisation, and practical sessions in the vaccination centre.
“I was partnered with a medical professional who taught me the practicalities of administering a vaccination, from vaccine preparation to safe administration, to person centred patient care, every single time.”
Claire shares what it’s like to be a support worker: “Being a healthcare support worker within the vaccination programme is a privilege, every day I am grateful for the opportunity of safely administering a lifesaving vaccine into the arms of my community.
“So many people have experienced loss, stress, anxiety, and loneliness at some point through this pandemic. It is a pleasure to be able to connect with, and administer the vaccine to each person who comes through the door knowing that we are collectively saving lives. Every day is different but by the end of each shift I always feel a great sense of achievement, knowing that I have played a small part in helping my community stay safe.”
Claire also shared what she loves most about the role: “It is the patient contact that makes the job special for us. When faced with an anxious patient and being able to use our training to help them relax is a great feeling. Seeing the relief on a patient’s face when they have been vaccinated and the message of hope which the vaccination programme delivers is outstanding. As a cohort of trainees from various backgrounds, we have formed a strong bond and friendships which will last long after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.”
She added: “About three weeks into my role working in the vaccination centre I discovered something truly heart-warming. During my tea break while chatting with other vaccinators I learned that a large amount of the team was made up of retired medical professionals who had come out of retirement to help. They had the knowledge and skills and did not hesitate to jump back into action when the country needed them. When I ask these colleagues what made then come back from retirement onto the frontline they almost all reply with the same simple answer, “I couldn’t not”. For me, these retired practitioners returning to work has demonstrated the best of humanity and inspired me to continue working within health and social care.”
