COUNTY Durham GP practices have been congratulated by Health Secretary Matt Hancock after reaching a major milestone in their vaccination roll-out.
Healthcare staff at Newton Aycliffe Primary Care Network (PCN) received a video message from the Secretary of State, praising them for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The PCN, operated by staff from Jubilee Medical Group, Bewick Crescent Surgery, Halgarth Surgery and Peaseway Medical Centre, has administered over 35,000 vaccines since the roll out began in December 2020.
“It’s been brought to my attention the amount of work that has been done within Newton Aycliffe PCN to get the vaccine rolled out, and how many people have helped to make this happen,” said Mr Hancock
“I want to say a massive thank you to all the administrators, clinicians, nurses, paramedics and volunteers who have all helped to deliver the programme so far, with lots more vaccines still to come.
“You’ve helped guide patients to the right place, you’ve helped make it an uplifting and enjoyable experience and you’ve given thousands and thousands of people hope for the future.”
Local MP Paul Howell visited the Jubilee Medical Group vaccination hub to personally pass on Mr Hancock’s compliments and offer his own congratulations to healthcare staff on their efforts.
“I’d like to echo Matt Hancock’s sentiments and say my own huge congratulations to all the team at Newton Aycliffe PCN for the dedication, hard work, kindness and thoughtfulness that they have shown to everyone who has received their first and second doses of the vaccine,” said Mr Howell.
“What an absolutely incredible achievement from everyone!”
Dr Winny Jose, clinical director, Newton Aycliffe PCN described Mr Hancock’s comments as a very ‘welcome boost’ for the team.
“All our staff have been working incredibly hard over the past few months and it is very encouraging to receive such positive comments from the Health Secretary.
“We have made excellent progress with our vaccination roll-out but there is still a lot of work to do.”
NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), director of commissioning strategy and delivery (primary care), Joseph Chandy added: “35,000 vaccines is an incredible milestone to reach and I want to thank the remarkable partnership working of our GP practices, healthcare staff and partners.
“All 13 of our PCNs across County Durham continue to offer valuable capacity to help provide vaccinations as the NHS does all it can to support the fight against coronavirus.”