Volunteers clear snow from outside Alwoodley Medical Centre - allowing 1,200 Covid vaccinations to take place

The ground outside Alwoodley Medical Centre was very slippery on Saturday morning following freezing temperatures overnight.

But thanks to 15 volunteers, the ground was clear before 10am - allowing almost 1,200 Covid vaccinations to take throughout the day.

Dr Martin Sutcliffe, GP at Alwoodley Medical Centre and vaccination lead for the primary care network, said: "Among the gloom of lockdown, people living near our practice have shown such incredible community spirit.

"We're truly grateful for all the volunteers who joined our staff to clear the snow so that our most vulnerable patients could safely get to their vaccination appointment.

“Being part of the vaccination programme is something I am very proud of, and all those who answered the call (or sent their partners) should feel that pride – we couldn’t have achieved today without you.

"It gives me confidence that our community will continue to help us achieve as we receive further vaccine over the coming weeks."

Staff from Alwoodley and neighbouring GP practices joined the hardy volunteers to clear the road and car park from 7.30am.

Within two hours of the call for help, the car park and paths leading to the practice in Saxon Mount were clear of snow.

Dr Jason Broch, a GP and clinical chair for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group said: “It fills me with great pride to live in a compassionate city where all of us go out of our way to help others. This is an amazing example of people looking out for each other.

“I also want to take this opportunity to remind people that GPs, nurses, pharmacists and countless other staff, partners and volunteers are working around the clock to provide vaccinations.

"We know people are eager to get protected and may be concerned if they are in one of the priority cohorts and have not been contacted yet.

"However, we would like to reassure them that they will be contacted over the next few weeks."

To find out more about the Covid-19 vaccine please visit www.nhs.uk/CovidVaccineSupport the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.