Health Secretary Matt Hancock praises North Kirklees Covid-19 vaccination teams

Mr Hancock highlighted the work of the Spen Health and Wellbeing Primary Care Network in a letter to Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin.

The news came just a week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on a visit to the Al Hikmah Centre in Batley, said Yorkshire was one of the best-performing areas in the country.

And now the local NHS has confirmed that North Kirklees is on target to have offered a vaccine to all over 70s by mid-February.

The Spen primary care network is made up of GP practices in Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Liversedge.

In his letter Mr Hancock praised the “fantastic efforts” and added: “I am delighted to inform you that Spen Health and Wellbeing PCN is one of the highest performing Covid vaccination areas in the country. The PCN has received excellent patient feedback.”

Catherine Wormstone, head of primary care for Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees CCGs, said: “We're delighted to see the progress that the Spen Health & Wellbeing Primary Care Network has made in the vaccination of its most vulnerable residents and commend the practice staff, volunteers and partners who have helped to deliver these results.

“All of the primary care networks in North Kirklees have gone to tremendous efforts, often in challenging weather, to deliver vaccinations at centres, in care homes and to housebound patients.

“Every individual working in general practice has had a role to play in this campaign and should be proud of their achievements.”

Steve Brennan, senior responsible officer for the Kirklees vaccination programme, said: “Vaccinations in Kirklees are progressing at pace and we now have five GP-led services and three pharmacies providing jabs along with a large-scale centre at the John Smith's Stadium.

“We're aiming to have offered everyone in the top 4 priority groups a jab by mid-February.

“If you're aged 70 or over and have not received an invitation to attend for a Covid-19 vaccination, then you should contact the NHS to book an appointment.”

The easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.

The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.

If a suitable and convenient slot is not available via the national booking system, people can wait for their GP practice to get in touch.

Many who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab.

GP teams have also been asked to contact their clinically extremely vulnerable patients, who have been asked to shield, to ensure they have been offered the vaccine.