A MAJOR new coronavirus vaccination centre will open in Worcestershire this weekend.

The Artrix Theatre in Bromsgrove will be the site of the new centre, which will initially be used for vaccinating frontline health and social care workers from the virus.

It will be the first Covid-19 vaccination centre in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. 

Health leaders say the new development will be a major step forward in the fight against coronavirus in the region.

The most vulnerable patient groups will also start to be invited for vaccinations from next week. 

The site will be run by SW Healthcare, a federation of GP practices in Worcestershire, and has been established in partnership with a range of organisations across the health and care system. 

Dr Gemma Moore, lead director for SW Healthcare, said: “The aim of this vaccination centre is to increase local capacity for Covid-19 vaccines. 

"To begin with the site will concentrate on vaccinating frontline staff who work in health and social care in community settings as well as members of the public based upon the Government’s priority list which targets the most vulnerable first. 

“Patients will also continue to receive an invite from their GP and can choose to be vaccinated more locally to them if they wish at a local vaccination site.

"These are GP-led and have been instrumental across Herefordshire and Worcestershire as we have successfully introduced the vaccine locally over the past couple of weeks.”

Simon Trickett, Chief Executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG, said: “This site represents a major step forward in what is already a very impressive network of facilities locally that are providing vaccinations that will help defeat Covid-19. 

“The development of this community vaccination centre has been another great example of partnership working between the NHS, local authorities and other partners.

"Together we have efficiently implemented a facility which will play a significant role in supporting local residents to protect themselves against coronavirus. 

"Over the past few months, we’ve seen the very best of the local health and care system, with everyone working together as a single team and everyone playing their part.” 

Margaret Sherrey, Chair of the Artrix Holding Trust, said: “We are delighted to lend our support to the NHS and Public Health England in the fight against the pandemic. 

"How fitting that the space which once housed our theatre be used to help beat the very virus that’s keeping theatres everywhere closed.”