Duke of Cambridge talks to Winsford GP about successful Covid vaccination programme

In a telephone conversation with Swanlow GP Dr Jonathan Griffiths, Prince William was keen to find out how the town had successfully become one of the first in the country to offer immunisation.

In a meticulously organised operation, GPs and nurses from the town's five surgeries administered almost 1,000 vaccines to residents aged over 80 plus residents and staff in care homes.

"The Duke wanted to know about the challenges and how we had mobilised so quickly to deliver our first box of vaccines back in December," said Dr Griffiths.

Swanlow GP Dr Jonathan Griffiths had a five minute conversation with the Duke of Cambridge about the Covid vaccination programme

Swanlow GP Dr Jonathan Griffiths had a five minute conversation with the Duke of Cambridge about the Covid vaccination programme

"I talked about how we had come together to deliver the vaccines to our patients, about how we were focussed on doing this as quickly as possible to give people of our town the best protection we could from this pandemic."

Dr Griffiths told the Duke how, despite 2020 being so tough, GPs had remained open and continued to see patients.

Many clinicians across Cheshire had also volunteered to help with vaccinations.

"It was a conversation that held hope and positivity," said Dr Griffiths. "It was an opportunity for me to say how I felt the vaccine programme was bringing hope for us all - a way out of the pandemic.

"I shared how we as a community had come together and mentioned The Friends of Winsford Town Park and their huge contribution as marshals and volunteers.

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"The Duke asked about our vaccine supply. He appeared to be genuinely interested in any potential difficulties we may have faced."

Prince William was very impressed to hear how networks of GP surgeries across mid Cheshire were working together in the same way as Winsford to administer the vaccine.

"The Duke expressed his thanks for all that is being done in Primary Care to deliver the herculean task (his words) that is the Covid vaccination programme," said Dr Griffiths.

"He cannot speak to every NHS worker, volunteer, carer or key worker. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity but his thanks is to us all.

"He also wanted to congratulate us for the success we have seen so far. Whilst we are still in the midst of very difficult times with unprecedented demands and pressures on our health and care services, there is still opportunity for hope, for thanks for acknowledgement and for congratulations.

"I would like to thank His Royal Highness for taking the time to speak with me, for his understanding of the situation, his desire to learn more and his obvious interest and care in what we are doing.

"At this challenging time it is important to take hope and encouragement from moments like these."