Star date: 23rd January 2021

ARMED FORCES VACCINATE ARMED FORCES VETERANS

Salford has 171 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 139, while the seven day rate per 100,000 population now stands at 372.4, down from 378.2. There have been two new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, the armed forces Vaccination Quick Response Force yesterday visited Broughton House to vaccinate former service personnel..."It was really heartwarming to be able to come in and serve those who have served us" says Royal Navy Leading Medical Assistant Kate Edwards.

Full details here...

Salford has 171 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 139, bringing the cumulative total to 18,720. The seven day average of cases has decreased to 964, down from 979, while the seven day rate per 100,000 population now stands at 372.4, down from 378.2.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, the seven day average of cases in Bury is 738 (down from 758), with a seven day rate per 100,000 population of 386.4 (down from 396.9); Bolton 1,085 (down from 1,116), with a rate of 377.3 (down from 388.1); Manchester 2,416 (down from 2,461), with a rate of 437 (down from 445.1); and Oldham 692 (down from 721), with a rate of 291.8 (down from 304.1).

Rochdale has a seven day average of cases of 785 (up from 776), with a seven day rate of 352.9 (up from 348.9); Stockport 1,084 (down from 1,142), with a rate of 369.4 (down from 389.2); Tameside 799 (down from 822), with a rate of 352.8 (down from 362.9); Trafford 859 (down from 895), with a rate of 361.9 (down from 377.1); and Wigan 1,266 (down from 1,325), with a rate of 385.2 (down from 403.1).

There have been two new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, yesterday morning, the armed forces Vaccination Quick Response Force visited Broughton House veteran's care home to vaccinate residents...

"Broughton House asked whether could get military vaccinators to assist with their first load of vaccinations and it's a fantastic opportunity to marry up the military youth of today with the veterans that we're looking after here in the North West" says Colonel Russ Miller, Commander Army Headquarters North West, and a trustee at Broughton House.

"There was a lot of chat between the residents and the medics we've got here" he adds "It was wonderful to enable them to have different conversations with people in uniform. It's a dose of familiarity for people who have been suffering in lockdown and been unable to socialise in the normal way."

Royal Navy Leading Medical Assistant Kate Edwards, who carried out some of the vaccinations at Broughton House, says "It was really heartwarming to be able to come in and serve those who have served us while supporting the NHS. It was lovely to hear some of their tales."

All of the Broughton House residents were vaccinated, and Alison Wiseman, Care Home Manager, said that "having serving members of the military administer the vaccines made it special for them. It was a very welcome collaboration with the Salford Care Homes Medical Practice, which provides our veterans with GP services, and was greatly appreciated by everyone at Broughton House."

Dr Mike Hazeldine GP, leading the NHS vaccination team who visited Broughton House, added; "Our teams have been vaccinating in care homes since the beginning of January, and we have now almost completed our programme to administer the first dose to all care home residents across Salford.

"We as NHS don't consider ourselves heroes, but today we have been meeting and vaccinating real heroes" he added "It's a privilege to be able to meet them, and give them the vaccines that mean they might soon be able to see their families properly again..."

All photos courtesy of the British Army