Publish date: 8 January 2021
A couple from Sandbach have become the first patients to receive their Covid vaccination at Leighton Hospital this week.
June Elsby (88) and her husband Brian (93) from Sandbach were delighted to take up their invitation as Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust continues to roll out its vaccination programme.
Brian a keen singer and former winner of the Blackpool Rose Bowl and June who plays the organ at her local church, had the vaccination as they are keen to get back to what they love and enjoy live music once again.
June said, “I would say to anyone offered the vaccine you should absolutely get it. There have been so many scenes of people suffering terribly in our hospitals and so having the vaccine makes absolute sense.”
Brian agreed adding “It’s going to save your life, which is the best thing.”
The couple also had nothing but praise for the NHS and the way it has responded to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We can’t praise the NHS enough and the sterling work done by all the staff. Today is just another example of the great kindness and care shown by the NHS. You all deserve medals, you really do.”
Mid Cheshire Hospitals began its vaccination programme at the end of 2020 and as well as vaccinating people aged 80 and over, is also offering the vaccine to NHS staff and care home workers.
Chief Executive James Sumner said,
“Our staff have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes for several weeks to make sure we were ready and could begin to offer the vaccine to patients aged over 80 and those NHS and care home staff prioritised for the first phase of this vaccination programme.
“The vaccine is a huge step forward in our fight against Coronavirus and we are incredibly proud to support such an historic and lifesaving programme.”