"One of my favourite things to do whilst vaccinating is to ask people what they are having for tea!"
Over 500 student doctors from the School of Medicine have come forward to support the vaccination programme and other COVID efforts across the North Wetst. For many, it’s a chance to give back to the community and start 2021 off on a welcome positive note.
Student doctor Charlie Hextall is currently completing a Master of Research in Translational Medicine at Liverpool. He jumped at the chance to take part in the COVID vaccination programme and get back in front of patients, who never fail to put a smile on his face.
“Since the pandemic began back in March, I have wanted to help with the national effort how best I could. When the opportunity came round to be involved in the massive vaccination role out, I couldn’t wait to sign up. Since the bulk of my course is online, I have a lot more time on my hands that I wanted to put to good use, and I could think of no better way to spend it then vaccinating.
What with me intercalating at the moment, the last time I was on placement was before the pandemic at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. So I was really happy to get back out there and interact with people from all different walks of life.
One of my favourite things to do whilst vaccinating is to ask people what they are having for tea and get a bit of inspiration for myself!
This doesn’t help my diet, but I’ve found that it’s a great way to get to know a person that you might only meet once, just for a few minutes.
I have seen so many students show care and compassion for the people who come in, the majority of whom are elderly or at serious risk so have been told to stay at home to protect themselves. It must be an incredibly daunting experience, to come in for their vaccination - which is almost certainly made less intimidating by the students.
Student doctors Anish Patel and Emma Wilkinson also supporting the vaccination programme [Photo courtesy of LMSS]
Being able to work as part of a well-oiled machine alongside my fellow students has been hugely rewarding. The Lee Jones Centre where I work delivers 800+ doses per day. We work in pairs and aim to administer a dose every 6 minutes.
Even with this quick turnaround, there is still time to have a laugh. We need to ask some important questions before we administer the vaccine, one of which is to check if the patient is pregnant. Since most patients are over 70, this often catches them off guard and I haven’t failed to get a laugh yet, especially from the gents! Even after nearly 100 times making the same joke, I’m still laughing!
When we are having to wear a mask, sharing a laugh reminds us that we are chatting to actual people.
I have really enjoyed being able to work alongside my friends, many of whom I haven’t been able to see since March due to our need to keep apart. A highlight has been receiving my vaccine dose from my friend and President of LMSS Paige Hall. This was immortalised on the LMSS Instagram, as the first LMSS President to ever vaccinate the Society's Treasurer!”
Student doctors supporting vaccine rollout
Student doctors from Years 3 to 5 currently have the option of taking on additional hours outside of their normal NHS training hours. The School and NHS partners are working together to ensure they can do so safely and efficiently. If you are a student taking part and would like to share your story, get in touch with mednews@liverpool.ac.uk.