A NEW GP led Covid vaccination centre will open in Verwood later this week.

The centre, which will be led by GP practices within the Crane Valley Primary Care Network (PCN), launches on Saturday, December 18.

It had been originally due to open on January 4 but it has been brought forward in light of Boris Johnson’s announcement that the booster roll out would be ramped up.

The Crane Valley PCN consists of four practices in east Dorset; Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice (including Lake Road Surgery), Verwood Surgery and West Moors Village Surgery.

Dr Colin Davidson, clinical director for the site, said: “Vaccines are the best way to protect people against Covid 19. It’s absolutely crucial that everybody who is eligible gets their booster jab to top-up their immunity at the earliest opportunity, so we are delighted to be able to provide additional booster clinic capacity.”

Clinics will take place next door to the Lake Road Surgery at 131 Newtown Road in Verwood and are open to registered patients eligible for a Covid booster vaccine.

The premises are currently being refurbished along with provision of parking facilities for patients attending these clinics.

Vaccines will be administered during pre-booked in-person appointments.

Volunteer traffic marshals are currently being sought for morning or afternoon shifts over four hours at weekday clinics.

Email operations manager Annie Morris at annie.morris@dorsetgp.nhs.uk for more details.