PATIENTS from across Southend turned out in their numbers today to have their Covid jab the newly opened Cliffs Pavilion.
Pensioners remained upbeat while they waited patiently for the turn to enter the theatre's auditorium to have their vaccine.
The auditorium "looked very different", according to those who were inside the theatre.
The lower circle of the auditorium seating has been removed for vaccine stations, while the 662 upper circle seats all remain in place.
And Margaret Frost said how she "felt like she'd won the bingo."
Denise Oanes, 70, who had her first dose of the Oxford/Astra Zeneca this morning, revealed how she "felt like the star of the show. She said: "It was really special to be one of the first.
"It feels like freedom is close now we have had the vaccine. It’s just brilliant.
"We were sitting in the stalls thinking this is slightly different to normal.
"It was brilliant to get an appointment at the same time.
"It was really well organised. We were escorted through each stage.”
Within an hour of the theatre, Station Road, Westcliff, opening, there were lengthening queus.
This was put down to patients arriving early for their appointments.
Mass vaccine centre open at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend this morning - appears patients may be turning up early for their jab, hence the queue 💉 @Essex_Echo pic.twitter.com/42IjXa2tQ5
— Toby Emes (@NUFCTobes) February 4, 2021
The queueing system was then changed inside to cope with the numbers outside.
Louise Hembrough, programme lead at the Essex Partnership University Trust, explained that extra vaccine stations can be put in place if the queues grow too long.
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- Live updates as mass Covid vaccine centre opens at the Cliffs Pavilion
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One of those who received the jab today was Ron Woodley, the deputy leader of Southend Council.
He praised the NHS for the vaccine rollout so far.
The Echo understands that more mass vaccination centres will be opening in south Essex in the near future.
Theatre director Ellen McPhillips, added: "We’re really excited to play our part and so pleased to support the vaccine rollout.
“The trust got in touch and we were more than happy to help.
The auditorium is really different.
"The Palace was being talked about, but it’s just too small and it’s carpeted."
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