Salford’s Yemeni community is encouraging eligible friends, family and neighbours to come forward for the COVID-19 vaccine as pop-up vaccination clinics begin to roll out across the city.

The Yemeni Community Association in Greater Manchester, based in Eccles, hosted a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic for members of the community who are eligible for the first dose. More than 75 were vaccinated, including Wagdi Hadrian who was vaccinated one year to the day from being in intensive care on a ventilator fighting COVID-19.

Wagdi said:

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“This time last year I was in intensive care. I was in intensive care for about six days on a ventilator, in hospital a total 13 days, and ill for quite a while afterwards. I’m now very well, look after my health, and would advise everyone to take the vaccine.

“COVID is real, it’s not a joke. I remember being very excited last year as I’d just finished by PhD and looking forward to things. I remember being told to be careful of COVID and follow the rules, but I didn’t pay much attention to be honest, and I caught COVID-19. But now hopefully everyone is getting the vaccine, and everything is going to be better.”

 

The vaccination clinic at the Yemeni Community Association is one of several pop-up clinics being organised by the community, for the community. The pop-up clinics are delivered by the Salford NHS Vaccination Service over the next few weeks working in partnership with various community groups to reach the most vulnerable people living in Salford, including the homeless, people seeking asylum, refugees and other minority communities.

Amir Ahmed, community development officer for the Yemeni Community Association, said:

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“We work mainly with the Yemeni, Bengali, Indian and African communities, but also with asylum seekers and migrant communities who may not be getting the message about the importance of the COVID vaccine because of things like lack of digital media or access to the internet. Our first clinic went extremely well and we do intend to keep working closely with the NHS to hold more clinics in the future.”

As well as the vaccinations, people are provided with COVID-19 testing kits and the opportunity for a health check, including assessing how at risk they are from serious illness if they were to catch COVID-19. Homeless clients are also being offered an opportunity to register with a GP.

Dr Van Selvaraasan, clinical lead for the Salford NHS Vaccination Service, said,

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"We would like to make sure that no one is left behind in this vaccination programme, and that everyone in Salford who are eligible, people from all communities and neighbourhoods, have the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“Recent studies have shown much greater vaccine hesitancy among people from some ethnic minorities. Prioritising vulnerable members of minority communities for COVID-19 vaccination, in particular those with health conditions and frontline workers, and recognising the role of local trusted sources of information could reduce the perceptions of risk of COVID-19 vaccines among people from different ethnic minorities and socio-economic backgrounds.

“Therefore, by making vaccination centres more accessible and convenient, will encourage them to take get the vaccine and hopefully increase the uptake.”

 

People currently eligible for the vaccine through the Salford NHS vaccination service include the over-50s, people aged 16+ who have underlying health conditions, and carers, both paid and unpaid. People aged 45-49 can also book their vaccine through the national booking site. For more information, please go to www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine

A positive covid test was reported within the school community at Friars School on Cannon Street in Salford on Wednesday and the Primary has been closed until Monday whilst a thorough deep clean takes place.

Parents have been urged to have their children tested at the local pop up testing site at Broughton Hub, although it is unknown if it is a pupil or a staff member who has tested positive.

The school was closed to all but Early Years, Reception and Yellow Room pupils with years 1-6 being told to stay at home.

Teachers should have contacted parents with regards to home learning by now.

Head Teacher Michael Earnshaw, said in a letter:

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"A member of our school community has tested positive for Covid 19. We have carried out a full risk assessment and identified all those who have been in close contact with the affected case and have recommended that they stay at home and self-isolate until 10 days after their last contact.

"We are working closely with Salford’s Public Health Team to reduce the risk of infection for all children and staff."

"We are requesting that all pupils get tested so that we can identify any further cases in school. Please see the attached letter regarding a pop-up site at Broughton Hub."

 

The school is urging parents to have their children tested for Covid with the lab analysed PCR tests so that any further cases can be identified.

As pupils head back to school it is inevitable that cases will manifest from time to time. All schools in Salford have strict protocols in place to deal with such situations and to limit the impact on pupils as much as possible.

Meanwhile, vaccinations across the City continue and are expected to gather pace in the coming weeks as more jabs are made available. The fantastic work by the NHS and Spirit of Salford Network volunteers has meant that Salford is ahead of the curve on vaccinations.

Most areas of Salford have seen a drop in cases but Higher Broughton and some surrounding areas still remains a cause for concern.

Salford Royal Hospital took its place alongside eight other NHS hospital brain tumour centres today as they became the first to be recognised as Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence for patient care.

The announcement was made at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPGBT), for which Brain Tumour Research holds the secretariat.

With more than 12,000 people diagnosed every year with a primary brain tumour in the UK, and over 500 new patients seeking treatment at the jointly delivered centre, the award has been introduced to recognise hospitals for their excellence in patient care.

Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence status recognises the delivery of outstanding care and treatment by NHS staff in their efforts to provide above excellent patient care through a difficult time.

It is three years since Baroness Tessa Jowell gave her powerful speech in the House of Lords, following her diagnosis with a glioblastoma multiforme, recognising the need to improve brain tumour treatment, care and survival for all patients.

Tessa’s daughter Jess Mills, Co-Founder of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, said: 

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“Mum’s mission throughout 50 years of her political life was to tackle systemic inequality. So it was tragic whilst fitting that her final campaign was a call to arms to create universal equality in access to excellence in cancer care throughout the NHS. It is with immeasurable pride that just three years later, the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission has begun the real-world translation of that vision into reality.

“We are thrilled to have awarded nine centres for their excellent ongoing work for patients and commitment to support other centres in reaching the same level of excellence.”

 

Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, Sue Farrington Smith MBE, who sits on the Mission’s Steering Group, said: 

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“We are very pleased to welcome this important initiative which perfectly complements the work that we are doing to fund and campaign for increased investment in the basic scientific research which is so vital if we are to improve outcomes for patients and, ultimately, find a cure for brain tumours which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.”

The full list of centres are:

University Hospitals Birmingham

NHS Lothian, South East Scotland Cancer Network (Edinburgh)

Kings & Guy’s and St Thomas

Leeds teaching hospitals NHS Trust (Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital)

Salford Royal & The Christie (Manchester)

Newcastle-upon Tyne Hospitals

Nottingham University Hospitals

St George’s University Hospital, Royal Marsden & Royal Surrey

and University College Hospital London & the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

The JVCI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) has opted to stick to its age related approach to the vaccine roll out with people under the age of 40 soon to be offered a jab in a bid to cut illness and deaths from the covid-19 virus.

This means that Police Officers and Teachers will have to wait in line with the rest of the country in order to become eligible for their vaccinations.

There have been more than 18.7million people in the UK who have already had at least one dose of a Covid vaccine and PM said he aims to have reached everyone in the top nine priority groups by April 15 at the latest.

Just a single vaccination is enough to prevent the majority of recipients from becoming serious ill and requiring hospitalisation.

The programme aims to inoculate every adult in the country by the end of July with all lockdown restrictions lifted by the end of June.

It has also been disclosed that prisoners will not jump the queue to receive the jab ahead of other groups.

Meanwhile in Salford the vaccination drive blazes on with New cohorts announced.:

As of today, the Salford NHS Vaccination Service is pleased to announce that they have begun inviting cohort eight, which includes all residents from the age 55 - 59 age bracket to come forward for their jabs.

A bigger push it to be made to get people from the Black, Asian and Multi Ethnic populations to come forward and take their jabs as take-up in these groups have been far less.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Public Health England's head of immunisation, said:

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'The age-based approach will ensure more people are protected more quickly.

'It is crucial that those at higher risk - including men and BAME communities - are encouraged to take the vaccine, and that local health systems are fully engaged and reaching out to underserved communities to ensure they can access the vaccine.'   

 

Phase Two Vaccinations will come in the following order:

All those aged 40-49

All those aged 30-39

All those aged 18-29

How has the pandemic affected jobs and prospects for young people?

That’s what Salford City Council’s skills and work team is hoping to find out in an online survey aimed at young people aged 16 to 24.

This is the final day to have your say before the survey closes.

Link: https://www.salford.gov.uk/jobs-skills-and-work/16-24-tell-us-how-the-pandemic-has-affected-your-jobs-and-future/

The survey, which takes just a few minutes to complete, aims to discover if their jobs, training or home study has been affected, if anything positive has come out of the pandemic for them and what their future plans might be.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry who leads on children’s and young people’s services, said:

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“It’s just a very simple survey to give us a snapshot of how young people feel right now, 

“They may be worried about finding jobs or training in the months ahead but there are still opportunities out there and we want them to know we’re here to help.

“We have apprenticeship opportunities where they will earn while they learn or, if they don’t feel ready for that Kickstart placements where they get six months paid work experience which puts them in a strong position to snap up any jobs that come along.

“Salford’s construction boom hasn’t slackened off during the pandemic and although some industries such as retail and hospitality have been particularly badly affected, they will come back so there will be opportunities. Employers are also looking for young people for office work roles, health and social care, early years child care and education and IT and digital industries and our team can link Salford residents directly to those opportunities.”

Complete the survey which closes on Friday 26 February.

As the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme continues to roll out across the city, Salford NHS CCG has issued an update.

New cohorts announced in Salford

As of today, the Salford NHS Vaccination Service is pleased to announce that we have begun inviting cohort seven, which includes all residents age 60 years and over. We will continue to work our way through vaccinating cohort six (who were invited last week), which includes; adult carers; people invited for annual long term condition checks with their GP; and people invited by the NHS for an annual flu jab (excluding asthmatics).

As always, patients within these cohorts are encouraged to book their appointments online ASAP at www.salford.nhsvaccinations.co.uk or alternatively by calling 0800 953 0116.

Second doses

Appointments for second doses will be offered from the end of March / start of April. Please ensure you remind people at all opportunities the importance of attending for the second dose, as this will further boost their immune system response and offer them a longer period of protection against COVID-19.

Housebound

Patients who are unable to attend a community vaccine site and have not yet had a home visit are now being asked to contact the telephone booking centre on 0800 953 0116, where we will review whether it is possible for someone to visit their home and give them their vaccine there.

Meanwhile

Salford Mayor Paul Dennett has shared the latest data on the vaccine roll out across Salford which reveals that as of Weds 24th Feb, there have been a staggering 45,020 doses of the vaccines administered across Salford's 3 community hubs in Eccles, Clarendon and Irlam as well as it's outreach sites.

This is a phenomenal effort by any standards and with every jab, another Salfordian is given protection against the worst of the virus.

Salford Council have reported what it says to be an isolated case of the new strain of the 'Kent' coronavirus which has been circulating in parts of Manchester for some time.

The incident happened earlier in the year after a person reportedly became unwell and later tested positive for the virus, upon testing it was determined that the person had been infected with the new 'Kent' strain.

The person had already self isolated and local test and tracing were able to identify those people that they had come into contacted with.

Director of public health Dr Muna Abdel Aziz said the the incident had happened 'earlier in the year' and was reported within the national system.

She said:

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"Test and trace established that they had been in contact with a previously identified cluster all of whom had been traced and tested.

"Those who had tested positive in that cluster self-isolated and there was no evidence of further transmission.

"When we were notified of the variant case the cluster had already been dealt with.

"We reviewed the case and were satisfied that robust action had already been taken and no further action was required as the virus had been contained."

 

Councillor Gina Reynolds who holds the position of Lead Member for Adult Services and Wellbeing, confirmed the case and said that all the steps were taken to ensure that it was dealt with swiftly and monitoring continues, She said:

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"We are monitoring the situation very closely, and we urge everyone to get tested if they become unwell because this will help to isolate the virus and bring down the infection rates.

“The rates are not reducing fast enough in Salford, and we are asking members of the public to follow the rules even more strictly right now – stay at home, wear a face covering over nose and mouth where required, maintain social distance and good hand hygiene.

"By stopping the spread, we can support safe reopening of schools and workplaces and we can avoid further local restrictions.”

 

Dr Aziz, said that work will be stepped up to encourage testing infection rates within the city are not falling fast enough which is causing some concerns as some areas have higher rates than others.

The new B.1.1.7 Kent strain is said to be more easily spread but scientists are confident that the current Astrazeneca and Pfizer vaccines being used in the UK are able to provide an adequate defence against it.

Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity, and Chief Investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial, said:

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"All viruses accumulate mutations over time, and for influenza vaccines there is a well-known process of global viral surveillance, and selection of strains for an annual update of the vaccines."

Testing centres are now located across Salford, more details can be found on the following link: www.salford.gov.uk/people-communities-and-local-information/coronavirus/how-to-get-tested/

51 of the most vulnerable people suffering from homelessness in Salford were given a Covid Vaccine today as part of Salford continuing efforts to lead the way with its outstanding vaccination drive across the City.

Calls to vaccinate the homeless and rough sleepers were made last month by a leading homeless charity after it identified that up to 20% of those on the streets were considered to be at high risk because of the virus.

It is the nature of their predicament that they are highly exposed on a daily basis, many of them already suffering from underlying physical as well as mental health issues.

As many of us adhere to the stay at home warnings, for them it is much more complex because of the lack of an actual home. 

If you're experiencing and would like to discuss vaccination, please get in touch on Twitter at (1) SPCT Inclusion Service (@ServiceSpct) / Twitter.

If you've been offered it HAVE IT!

There are concerns expressed within Salford  regarding hesitancy from some members of the black, asian, and minority ethnic communities to have to have the Covid-19 vaccination.

Dr Ugo Umeadi who is a GP at Cleggs Lane Medical Practice in Salford and he has made a video calling for more uptake of the vaccine whilst at the same time debunking some myths and misinformation which surrounds it.

He explains why having the vaccine is the safest, most effective way to tackle the virus 

Analysis of NHS England COVID-19 vaccination figures show that people of black ethnicity are half as likely as people of white ethnicity to get vaccinated. People of Asian ethnicity are under two thirds as likely as their white counterparts to accept vaccination.

England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer says it "really concerns" him that fewer BAME people may get the Covid vaccine.

Vaccination figures show that 91% of all recipients of COVID-19 jabs have been white, despite BAME people making up 13.6% of the population. Just 7.8% of all vaccines have been administered to these communities.

A campaign to engage with the communities to assure them of the safety and importance of having the vaccine is now underway across the whole of the country.

Salford Royal’s ambition to improve care for some of the sickest patients in Greater Manchester took a step closer today (February 22, 2021) with the start of building work at Salford Royal’s new £68million hospital.

Northern Care Alliance NHS Group Chief Executive Raj Jain and BAM Construction Manager Rob Bailey were joined by Dr Sheila Tose, Consultant Neuroanaesthetist, on the construction site to formally launch the building programme.

The facility, which will be called the James Potter Building, will support Salford Royal – part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group - in its role as the major trauma centre for Greater Manchester and the hub site for emergency General Surgery for the North West of Greater Manchester.

Salford Royal has appointed BAM to lead the construction of the new hospital – the scheme is also part of the Government’s Health Infrastructure Plan, the biggest hospital building programme in a generation which will deliver 48 hospitals across the country by 2030. The James Potter Building will welcome its first patients in the summer of 2023.

The facility is set to receive 90% of all major trauma patients in Greater Manchester, for example, people who have been involved in a serious road traffic accident or life-changing fall. It will also be the hub site for high risk emergency general surgery across Bolton, Salford and Wigan. This means that any high risk patients from these areas who require surgical or non-surgical intervention will be brought to Salford for their care.

Raj said:

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“We are delighted to be bringing these fantastic new facilities to our site for the benefit of patients across Greater Manchester. If you receive a major trauma injury and live in the Greater Manchester area or you live in Salford, Bolton and Wigan and require an emergency procedure for a serious abdominal injury or condition, then it’s likely you will be cared for at the James Potter Building.

“The facility will be purpose-built for the sickest patients – whom for many time is of the essence in relation to their care and treatment. Features include a resuscitation area, five emergency theatres, inpatient beds, and diagnostic imaging, and a helipad. The building has been designed by architects working alongside our clinicians to ensure every detail is captured, for example, extra large lifts to accommodate those patients that are being moved around the building on beds alongside numerous pieces of life-saving equipment and with a full team of clinicians accompanying them.”

 

Dr Tose, who is also Clinical Lead for Major Trauma, said

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“As one of the clinicians who will have the privilege of working in this building and treating patients here, I am really excited to see building work start. Whilst the building will be impressive in appearance, it’s important to say that what will be inside the building is just as amazing. This building will be home to the UK’s first hybrid trauma theatre for patients who have multiple serious injuries. This means that in one place, clinicians will be able to work on and treat someone who has, for example, internal bleeding and also requires surgery for a head injury. Previously they would have to be addressed separately.”

Rob Bailey, BAM’s Construction Manager, said:

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“Our team are buzzing with the excitement of creating these new facilities right in the heart of our own city. It is always special when you get the chance to shape the places you live in, work in, learn in and recover in. There’s no more special or important place than a hospital and we’re so pleased to be working with our friends in the NHS who are savings lives each day in such extraordinary circumstances. Every day we are helping them is a good one.”

Minister for Health Edward Argar said:

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“We are backing the NHS to build back better and throughout the pandemic we have continued to plan and invest in the future of our NHS buildings. I’m pleased work is now getting underway on this major development to provide state of the art new facilities and ensure patients can access specialised, life-saving treatment.

“The £68 million new hospital at Salford Royal will be one of the 48 hospitals which we’re backing to deliver by 2030 as part of the biggest hospital building programme in a generation and strategic long-term investment in the future of our NHS.”

 

The great irony of living through a pandemic is that the very same lockdowns which are designed to keep us safe from the virus have also had huge impacts on the health and wellbeing of those who live in the city.

Whilst a daily walk to the park or along a canal bank is appreciated and welcomed distraction by many who are weary of being holed up in their homes, there is nothing like being able to get into one of the many local leisure centres to take advantage of the available equipment in order to maintain those important fitness levels.

Many in Salford were upset at the prospect of being unable to carry on their daily fitness routines as Leisure Centres were forced to close.

Maintaining good levels of fitness is essential not only for the body but also for the mind and sadly for some the biggest impact from this pandemic will be the health issues as a result of months on end locked in at home.

So it is with much joy that Salford's fitness fanatics can rejoice at the news that Salford Community Leisure is working on plans to reopen it's outdoor pitches by the 29th of March with a view to reopening its Centres by the 12th of April.

Relaxation of lockdown rules in the coming months means that it will soon be possible to make a return to the gyms, pools & pitches.

Salford Community Leisure went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the safety of the public and it is without doubt that those same high standards will met once more as they reopen.

Physical health has played a huge role in how people have reacted to the viral infection, it has not only targeted those with who are elderly or suffering from underlying health issues but in many cases, being over weight and being unfit has had a dramatic impact on the outcome and the recovery process.

In the coming months our local leisure centres will play an important part in the future health of the city as we gradually start to move back to some kind of much needed normality.

The SCL team have pledged to keep people updated on what is happening and say they are looking forward to welcoming people back.

More than 10,000* patients, volunteers and NHS staff have taken part in Covid-19 research at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group (NCA).

Their support is crucial to the urgent public health studies which are improving care, identifying treatments and developing vaccines and other prevention measures.

The NCA, which brings together Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and provides services for over 1 million people, is concentrating on delivering these highest priority studies which have a crucial role in understanding more about Covid-19, how to tackle it and the longer-term impact this pandemic will have on communities and the NHS. 

Most of the 10,000 people involved are taking part in studies in hospital – including Salford Royal, The Royal Oldham, Fairfield General in Bury and North Manchester General# – but nearly 600 healthy volunteers are involved in vaccine and antibody studies in the community.

The NCA’s Director of Research, Professor Phil Kalra, said:

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“We very much appreciate the support of our patients and their families and our volunteers at such a difficult time and want to thank them for the help they are giving to health staff and scientists who are treating Covid-19 patients and trying to protect our communities.

“We are focusing our efforts on national high priority studies for the benefit of our patients, including the RECOVERY study, which has been identified by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers as being of crucial importance.  600 of our patients are taking part in this study, which is assessing the effectiveness of potential treatments which are already in use for other conditions. It has already found that a steroid called dexamethasone can improve survival in seriously ill patients with Covid-19. 

“Through this and the other local, national and international research efforts, we already have much better information about how to treat coronavirus and therefore potentially save thousands of lives. 

“We also recognise the vital importance of preventing infection and it has been heart-warming to have so many people come forward from our communities to take part in studies into potential vaccines and antibody treatments.”

 

Vikki O’Loughlin, Assistant Director of Nursing for Research & Innovation at the NCA, said:

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“The expertise of NHS staff is making a difference every day and our research teams are proud to be a key part of that. We have had fantastic support from our patients, staff and volunteers, without whom research could not take place.  We would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who is giving us hope for the future.”

Professor Andy Ustianowski, National Clinical Lead for the NIHR Covid Vaccine Research Programme and Principal Research Lead at North Manchester General Hospital, said:

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“Over the past year we have come a long way in our understanding of Covid-19. Although we now have effective treatments and good vaccines, there is still much to do. The UK has been world-leading in its research into this disease, and the NCA has played a significant part in this effort. This is such an achievement and there are many people who have contributed - from patients and members of the public, to general hospital and community health staff, to our dedicated research teams.”

* A small number of participants are involved in more than one study, for instance where observational data are being collected for different studies.

# North Manchester General Hospital is run by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust under a management agreement.

The UK Coronavirus battle is being won with every jab, at least according to the first published 'Real World' data from Scotland.

As Salford's vaccine hubs and army of medical staff and community volunteers continue to vaccinate the most vulnerable within the city, good news came in the form of a study which was carried out by researchers in Scotland, who unveiled that both vaccines being used in the UK can cut hospitalisation rates by up to 95%.

This is fantastic news for those who are hopeful of regaining their freedoms and some kind of normality in the coming months.

Experts from the universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, as well as Public Health Scotland, claimed the data provided 'compelling evidence' of the vaccines effect in diminishing the threat of severe illness from the virus.

Professor Aziz Sheikh, the lead researcher in the study, said:

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'These results are very encouraging and have given us great reasons to be optimistic for the future. We now have national evidence – across an entire country – that vaccination provides protection against Covid-19 hospitalisations.

'Roll-out of the first vaccine dose now needs to be accelerated globally to help overcome this terrible disease.'

 

The findings echo data from Israel which shows a similar outcome, with Results clearly indicating that the Pfizer and Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs slashed the risk of hospital admission from Covid-19 by up to 85 and 94 per cent, respectively, within a month after the first dose.

The findings which were released this morning will only bolster vaccination efforts, with the PM, Mr Boris Johnson vowing to inoculate every adult in the country with at least the first dose by the end of July.

Medical experts are quick to remind people of the need to maintain social distancing for the foreseeable future, we still have a long way to go and many months ahead before we hit those targets in what has been the largest vaccination drive in British history.

Professor Chris Whitty, who is the Chief Medical Officer for England, said the study,

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'provides encouraging early data on the impact of vaccination on reducing hospitalisations'.

As of time of writing there have been 474 tragic deaths at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, with the latest death reported yesterday,

Some good news came over the weekend though, as it was revealed that the vaccines DO cut transmission of the virus by up to two thirds, which will help slow the spread.

With almost a third of the adults in the UK (17.5m) having already received their first shots, the first steps to freedom are being made.

With Salford's vaccination programme a roaring success story already, the PM has pledged that all Adults in the United Kingdom will be offered a vaccine by the end of July.

The move should see all adults over the age of 50 and over offered a vaccination by April 15th, alongside those under the age bracket who suffer from underlying health issues which put them more at risk from the virus.

However, Mr Johnsons expedited plans are yet to be outlined by the Joint Committee on vaccination and immunisation, which ultimately has control over the order in which vaccinations are given.

With more than 16.8 million people having already had at least the first jab, the PM feels confident of a steady supply of vaccines which he hopes will return the country to at least some part of normality.

There are now over 15,000 vaccinations sites across the county and reportedly over 600,000 people have had their second doses. Salford's NHS Clinical Commissioning Group have been contacting people and administering jabs at its vaccination hubs across the city. All adults in Salford will be called up when they are eligible, you do not have to contact your GP.

The PM is meeting tomorrow to discuss the possibility of reopening primary schools from the 8th of March and it is expected that he will be presenting his long awaited roadmap to reopen the country and decrease the lock down in a series of cautious steps.

There have been calls for the JCVI to prioritise teaching staff, police officers and other frontline workers when they release their next priority list.

Research carried out by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) looked closely at the symptoms which were most commonly reported by people who had contracted the new 'Kent' variant (B.1.1.7, formerly VUI-202012/01) of the Covid-19 virus in comparison with those of the old variant and found significant differences in its affects.

The variant, which is a version of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes Covid-19, has a series of mutations that change the shape of the spike protein on its outside. The main one is known as N501Y. This appears to make it better able to stick to the cells inside the body and makes it much more likely to cause infection and gives it the ability to spread much faster within the population.

A new analysis of the data between November and December has highlighted significant changes in symptoms reported.

For instance, the loss of taste and smell which has been widely associated with the infection, may be seen slightly less in those affected with the new strain. Sixteen percent of those affected with the new variant reported a loss of the sense of taste with Fifteen percent reporting a loss of the sense of smell, compared with Eighteen percent of both for those with the old variant.

The ONS reported that the symptom of loss of taste and smell was significantly less common in those positive for the new strain.

However there was no evidence shown of any differences reported in gastrointestinal symptoms, nor those involving shortness of breath or headaches.

A group of around 3,500 people with the new variant were asked to participate in the study, in which 35 percent reported they had a cough, 32 percent had suffered with fatigue and 25 per cent had experienced associated muscle aches and pains. 21.8 percent reported having had suffered from a sore throat.

This data was compared with that of a group of 2,500 people suffering from the older variant which saw 28 percent reporting symptoms of a cough and 29 percent which had fatigue.

21 percent of participant reported muscles aches and pains and 19 percent experienced a sore throat.

These changes to symptoms are worth being aware of as many who suffer from Covid-19 will have milder symptoms which could be dismissed as colds and milder flu. Those people have the potential to then go on to infect others who will suffer far worse from the effects of the virus.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms then please contact the NHS and arrange a test to be sure.

As vaccinations against coronavirus continue around the city in what is undoubtedly the largest vaccination drive in history, it is revealed that all care home residents in Salford who were willing to get the vaccine have now been given the COVID-19 vaccine, ahead of schedule.

The milestone was reached on 22nd January 2021, two days ahead of the national target to vaccinate all residents of Salford’s 34 care homes by 24th January 2021.

Dr. Nick Browne, GP at Gill Medical Centre in Walkden and a clinical lead for Salford’s vaccination programme said:

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‘’I'm pleased to announce that Salford has vaccinated everyone in nursing homes. We should be able to expect that this will have saved at least 50 lives. This is due to the hard work of all the doctors, nurses and administrative staff who are part of team who led on this. We will continue until we have vaccinated all eligible people who want to have the vaccine. Please be patient as the teams involved work around the city.’’

Salford Primary Care Together, an organisation which supports GP practices across the city to work more closely together, is running the vaccination service on behalf of the city in partnership with Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). This arrangement is ensuring that GPs in Salford do not have to step down their routine work to staff the vaccination services, as has been the case in other parts of the country.

Dr Dawood Anwar, Salford Primary Care Together’s Clinical Lead Urgent Care said:

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‘Our vaccination programme is moving at pace offering vaccinations to the most vulnerable and at risk groups, as per the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation guidance. The effort has been supported by colleagues across the wider system including Salford CCG, general practice staff, Salford City Council and volunteers without whom this would not have been possible. Seeing the appreciation and gratitude of patients has been a very humbling experience for all involved. We would like thank everyone who has been involved in this vaccination programme.’’

Louise Smith, Practice Manager at Care Homes Medical Practice said:

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“The staff in each care home have been very helpful in assisting the vaccination team to ensure the process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.  Huge thanks to our team who really are doing such an amazing job. They have been working tirelessly to make this happen and their dedication is outstanding.”

Priority groups for vaccination in this initial phase is determined by the Government following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and starts with care home residents and their carers, people aged 80 years old and over, and frontline health and social care workers.

Salford CCG has now also started to vaccinate people over the age of 80 who are living in their own houses and unable to reach a vaccination hub.

CrossFit SCL, a new CrossFit gym is coming to Salford Quays. Launching on Monday 4 January, the new facility is located at Ordsall Leisure Centre and will serve the local community.

The gym or ‘Box’ as CrossFitters refer to it, is a new venture from Salford Community Leisure, the city’s leisure trust which also manages and operates other leisure facilities across Salford, including 8 leisure centres and the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre.

It will become the first CrossFit Box operated by a leisure trust in the Greater Manchester region and marks a positive step into this market for Salford Community Leisure, at a time when the industry is still reeling from the financial implications of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The CrossFit market, is a booming sector of the health and fitness industry that is increasingly popular nationally, with more and more people looking to CrossFit for an innovative approach to health and fitness.

CrossFit is a form of high intensity training, strength and conditioning made up of functional movements, with a constantly varying programming.  Workouts include Olympic lifts, gymnastics and sport principles.

The ethos behind CrossFit also focuses on the importance of lifestyle and community alongside the workouts. Each CrossFit ‘box’ represents a community of members who work together to encourage each other to achieve their goals, whether they are beginners or have been training for years.

The box, which features a lion, taken from the city’s crest as part of its identity, officially roars into action from 4 January, with open days on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 January. Open to members of all ages, including children aged 11+ it will offer a range of sessions throughout the week as well as nutritional help and advice.Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety said:

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“Right now, people understand the importance of staying fit and active more than ever before, so it’s fantastic that this new facility is opening. We’re always keen to offer local residents the best and latest fitness experiences, so we’re extremely proud to be opening this new CrossFit Box.”

Ray Higson, Salford Community Leisure Director of Finance and Corporate Services said: “Whilst these could be uncertain times, this new box also presents an exciting new venture for us. We’re confident it will be a success, attract new members and offer a fresh approach to health and fitness.”

 

Chris Smith, CrossFit SCL Head Coach said:

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“I’m thrilled to be part of this new facility and can’t wait to welcome new members to the box. I’m a huge believer in the benefits Crossfit can have for everyone. So, I’d encourage people to come along, have a go and discover what CrossFit is all about and I’m sure you’ll get hooked too.”

For more information visit salfordcommunitylesiure.co.uk/crossfit

Plans to relax the Covid-19 rules for 5 days over the Christmas period have been scrapped for much of the South of the country and limited to Christmas Day in the rest of England as London, Kent, Essex and Bedfordshire are all plunged into a new Tier 4 from midnight.

Those within Tier 4 can not mix with anyone outside of their household with stay at home orders issued except for those travelling to work or education. The restrictions will be reviewed on the 30th December.

This follows from announcement made earlier in the week that suggests that a new strain of the Coronavirus which is more easily transmissible is spreading rapidly through the country.

Prof Chris Whitty said that there had been a "dramatic increase" in the proportion of cases that come from the new variant in certain areas, blaming the new variant for the increase in hospitalisations in parts of the country - a 36% increase in eastern England, 34% in London, and 28% in south-eastern England.

In the North West, North East, and Yorkshire, Witty says, there has been no increase in the hospitalisation rate - and that matches lower rates of the new variant.

However, there is a very real chance that the Northwest will be plunged into Tier 4 should that change.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, he says, the new variant amounts to just 5% of cases.

The new variant seems to be more dominant in London but is increasingly starting to spread into other parts of the UK.

Johnson said during the press conference that Christmas can not go ahead as planned, promising that things will be radically different by Easter.

As the pandemic drags on, more people are starting to tire of what they are increasingly seeing as incompetent handling of the crisis by the government. 

As another in a long line of beacons of hope, the prime minister announced 350,000 people had been vaccinated so far in the first two weeks of the programme and that in the coming weeks that number should increase six-fold, but even with an increase it will still take many months to inoculate those who are most at risk and there are valid concerns about the country having enough of the vaccine to go around.

Speaking to those who will be affected by the new rules, Mr Johnson said that the government will do everything it can to look after jobs, businesses and livelihoods.

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"This is a race and we still are doing our absolute level best to protect the public whilst we know that the vaccine is arriving," he says.

"I'm very, very confident... that we'll get that vaccine into a significant proportion of the population by the spring and that things will be radically different for our country by Easter."

 

Meanwhile, the whole of Wales has announced it is going into lockdown from midnight.

All of Wales will be placed into the highest level of lockdown - Level 4 - with all but essential shops closed, and people being told to "stay home" to save lives.

SALFORD Royal hospital, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group (NCA), has today started to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to Greater Manchester patients, local care home staff, and NHS frontline staff today, in a first positive step towards normality for the region’s communities.

The hospital is one of the first 50 designated hospital vaccine hubs across the country to lead the biggest and most complex immunisation programme in the NHS’s history.

Dedicated nurse link workers will be administering the vaccine to Salford Royal patients aged 80 and over, as well as those at high risk and the vulnerable, along with local care home staff and some frontline workers from across the NCA.

The life-saving vaccine is typically delivered by a simple injection in the shoulder. All those vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

Salford Royal patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospital as an outpatient, and those who are being discharged home after a hospital stay, will be among the first to receive the life-saving jab.

The hospital will also begin inviting people over the age of 80 into hospital for a jab, and work with care home providers to book their staff in to vaccination clinics.

The NCA employs 20,000 staff, bringing together the Salford Royal and Pennine Acute NHS Trusts and runs hospitals and community healthcare services in Salford, Oldham, Bury and Rochdale.

NCA Chief Executive Raj Jain said:

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“The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the single biggest immunisation programme in the history of the NHS and we are absolutely privileged and excited that our Salford Royal site and group is one of the first in the country to receive the vaccine and be at the forefront of its delivery in Greater Manchester. 

“As the programme rolls out, as a hospital vaccine hub we will be providing the vaccine to our patients, including those first who are most vulnerable and at highest risk, our staff, healthcare staff groups from other settings and the wider population of Greater Manchester.

“Today is a momentous milestone in our COVID-19 recovery and an important positive step on our journey to return to normal. We have safely received and stored the vaccine and are ready to go. I would like to thank our teams, including our estates and facilities, pharmacy, supply, HR and occupational health, who have worked so hard to prepare for this. The vaccination programme will help us see a reduction of cases across our communities and keep people safe from COVID-19.”

 

Dedicated volunteer Ted Jones has become the first person at Salford Royal to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.

Ted, who has been volunteering at the hospital for almost 11 years, has been shielding at his home in Swinton, Salford, since the start of the pandemic.

Ted, 86, said:

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“It is a momentous occasion, I feel like a celebrity today. I do feel a bit nervous but I am pleased that we have the vaccination here now.

“I am just looking forward to being able to get back to normal and come back to work with the rest of the volunteers who I am really missing.

“I really miss volunteering at this place – volunteering is my life, I love it here.”

 

Dr Chris Booth, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia at Salford Royal, said that when it is his turn to be offered the COVID-19 vaccine he will not hesitate to take up this opportunity.

He said:

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“The COVID-19 vaccine will help us to get the virus under control; this is a real light at the end of the tunnel. I am looking forward to seeing a reduction in the number of people I treat on our unit who are seriously ill with COVID-19.

“On a personal level, staff members will feel safer in their roles and a little less worried about the risks they pose to their own loved ones in terms of passing on the virus. Throughout the pandemic, Critical Care staff have had the unfortunate position of treating critically ill colleagues and the COVID-19 vaccine should help to bring this sad situation to an end.” 

 

There is a complex and difficult logistical challenge to deliver the vaccine from the manufacturers Pfizer to patients as the vaccine needs to be stored at -70C before being thawed out and can only be moved four times within that cold chain before being used.

Across Greater Manchester, GPs and other primary care staff are also being put on standby to start delivering the jab. A small number of GP-led primary care networks will begin doing so during the following week (week beginning 14 December) with more practices in more areas joining in on a phased basis during December and in the coming months.

To aid the success of the vaccination programme the NHS is asking everyone to continue to follow the necessary restrictions in their area, maintain social distancing, wash hands frequently and wear face masks, so we can further suppress the virus and allow our NHS to provide services without being overwhelmed. By protecting the NHS we can save more lives and treat more people. 

Across the country vaccination centres treating large numbers of patients in sporting venues and conference centres will subsequently stand up when further supplies of vaccine come on stream.

National charity Heart Research UK has hosted its first ever virtual masterclass, training the next generation of heart surgeons in endoscopic heart valve surgery.

The masterclass, which was live-streamed from the West Midlands Surgical Training Centre (WMSTC), University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on the 2nd of December, allowed delegates to learn the latest techniques to repair and replace faulty heart valves using keyhole surgery.

These minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery techniques avoid the need for creating large incisions in the chest, which may minimise risk to patients and speed up recovery times.

The course, which was led by Mr Joseph Zacharias, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, was livestreamed to delegates and demonstrated endoscopic mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery, as well as lectures and discussion.

The interactive session will be followed by a practical training session at the WMSTC in 2021, where delegates will be able to gain hands-on experience of the new techniques, operating on cadavers.

Heart Research UK masterclasses are free to delegates, ensuring that these skills can be learnt by medical professionals across the country.

Course Director Mr Joseph Zacharias, said:

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“The Masterclass was a huge success, we had more delegates than we expected and everything worked very well. We are so pleased that Heart Research UK sees the importance of sessions like this.

In every profession, there needs to be places for professionals to practice. Golfers have driving ranges, we have these training courses. They give heart surgeons a place to train, practise and innovate.

“There’s very little funding for courses such as this, so we thank Heart Research UK and their supporters for this opportunity.”

Helen Wilson, Head of Research at Heart Research UK, said:

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“Our Masterclasses are absolutely vital in helping to educate the expert health professionals of tomorrow. Given the current restrictions, we have had to alter the way we provide these courses, and we are incredibly glad we were still able to offer this training.

“There is a great deal of interest in minimally invasive heart surgery so we are really pleased to give surgeons the opportunity to learn these techniques from Mr Zacharias and his colleagues.

“At Heart Research UK, our aim is to benefit patients as soon as possible, and our masterclasses are one of the most effective ways of doing that.”

To find out more about Heart Research UK and the Masterclasses that they run, please visit heartresearch.org.uk.