Posted on: 6 August 2024
As of 1 September 2024, CNWL will no longer provide school-based immunisation services in the boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hillingdon.
This transition marks the end of an era for Patricia Stephens, who has managed the children's immunisation service at CNWL for the past 16 years. Pat is retiring after a nursing career in the NHS spanning 40 years.
Pat’s journey with CNWL began in 2011 when she transitioned from the Primary Care Trust (PCT), and since then she has played a pivotal role in establishing and managing the school immunisation programmes across seven London boroughs, ensuring that thousands of children receive essential vaccinations.
Pat’s colleagues describe her as the “Immunisation Queen”, a testament to her expertise and commitment to community health.
Under her leadership, the immunisation team has accomplished significant milestones, including the initiation of the HPV vaccination programme. They are also involved in CNWL’s annual flu vaccination programme, to protect vulnerable people and NHS staff against the latest circulating strains of flu.
The team ran Covid vaccination clinics for Afghan families, who were living in hotels in Camden under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy They vaccinated almost 100 people in total, including young people aged between 12 and 17 years old.
Last year, her team participated in CNWL’s Year of the Child campaign, educating school staff and parents about the importance of vaccinations.
Additionally, they streamlined their processes by introducing online consent forms, making it easier for parents to consent to their child’s vaccinations.
Many colleagues left heartfelt messages for Pat, expressing their best wishes as she retires from NHS service.
Helen Davis, Clinical Service Manager for Children's Nursing Services, said:
“Pat is a respected and hardworking nurse who is passionate about children’s immunisations and improving their health. She has worked incredibly hard with her committed team, to deliver the very best care to children and young people and they should all be extremely proud of what they have achieved. After over 40 years working in the NHS we all wish Pat much happiness in the next stage of her life and a happy retirement.”
Zoe Sargent, Children’s Strategic Director said:
“Pat was one the first team leaders I had the pleasure of working with when I joined CNWL many years ago. She has always kept me up to date and has been a font of knowledge on all things to do with child immunisations. She has been a true asset to CNWL and I wish her a well-deserved and restful retirement”.
The immunisations team also expressed their gratitude:
“We would just like to say thank you for all the dedication and support Pat has given to the schools and to us as a team. We have never met a more passionate nurse who will be greatly missed.”
Vaccination UK to provide school-based immunisation services in Brent, Ealing and Hillingdon from 1 September 2024
CNWL partners with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust to carry out vaccination programmes in schools, as well as catch up clinics for individual needs.
From 1 September 2024, the services will be delivered Vaccination UK, who will be in contact with schools to arrange future sessions.
Many of our staff members will be moving across to the new organisation, and CNWL will continue to provide anything needed until 31 August 2024; please contact us as usual until that date.
Chris Atkins, Head of Children’s Services and Operations in Hillingdon said:
“I want to thank you for all your support and working together over the past years. Thank you for all the wonderful relationships you have built and for looking after us so well at your schools. We wish you all the best for the future.”