The UK entered full lockdown on Monday March 23, 2020. Since then, health and care staff across the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector have worked in partnership to deliver services and support communities, as well as to set up new services. in response to the pandemic.

Dr Salma Reehana, local GP and clinical chair of the NHS Black Country and West Birmingham clinical commissioning group, said: ‘When we came into lockdown two years ago we had no no idea what awaited us.

“At a time when most people needed to stay home to stay safe, key workers stepped up and tirelessly provided vital services to our communities.

“The pandemic has been a life-changing event and has taught us all many lessons, but the extraordinary way we have worked together across the NHS, local authorities, community and voluntary sector has been fantastic. .

“I want to thank everyone, especially our healthcare and frontline care staff, who have continued to provide exceptional patient care – albeit a little differently in some situations – and to look after those who need it most.

“It’s also important to recognize the role volunteers have played throughout the pandemic, so I want to thank everyone who has given up their time to support us and those in their communities who needed help.

“We must also thank the GP practices and their primary care networks who have been at the forefront of delivering vaccines to local populations, including the homebound, nursing homes and some of the most vulnerable patients.

After its launch at the end of 2020, the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination has continued to expand and more than 2.5 million vaccines have been administered in the Black Country and West Birmingham.

Walk-in appointments are available at select venues including Saddlers Vaccination Center in Walsall, Tipton Sports Academy in Sandwell, City Hospital Cardiac Rehab Gym and Saltwells Education Center in Dudley.

Appointments can also be booked online via the national reservation system or by calling 119.