NHS staff and volunteers hailed for Sutton Coldfield vaccine programme

More than 55,000 people have now been vaccinated at the Grade-A listed Civic building on King Edwards Square.

The number of second doses has reached more than 18,000 and the vast majority of people over the age of 40 have now been offered their first dose.

Dr Rahul Dubb, from Sutton Coldfield Group Practice, the local GP leading on vaccinations, worked with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall management team, University Hospitals Birmingham, the Town Council, MP Andrew Mitchell and other key figures to enable the site to open at the beginning of February.

Adrian Harvey, owner of the Townhouse granted free parking for people attending for a jab.

Julie Rennison, Managing director of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, said: "We started talks with the NHS around Christmas and it has been a really brilliant partnership.

"They are really easy to work with. It has brought in a wide range of wonderful volunteers that we didn't know before but do now.

"I feel like our community has grown because of it.

"It's also got people into the Town Hall who haven't been in here for years. It's been lovely hearing people talk of us in such a positive way."

The Royal Town's MP, Mr Mitchell added: “Since the Town Hall opened as our main vaccine hub three months ago I have received a large number of emails from constituents thanking everyone involved.

"I have been glad to read such overwhelmingly positive feedback for Dr Dubb and his team.

"The opening of the Town Hall has been another example of the ways in which local people have come together to help our Town in these difficult times.

"From Adrian Harvey offering the Town House’s car park free of charge, to the Town Council helping supply coffee and biscuits and the dozens of volunteers that have offered their time, a huge number of people have helped to ensure that the Town Hall has been one of the most successful vaccine hubs in the country.

"I would like to thank everyone that has been involved for their hard work over the past three months.”

Councillor Rob Pocock, from Sutton Vesey Ward, added: “The true success of the vaccination programme is down to the efforts of our NHS, teaming up with other health professionals and a big band of enthusiastic volunteers.

"One of the major positives to have come out of the pandemic, has been the way communities have come together to stand by each other – and the Sutton Town Hall vaccination programme is a great example.

"When I went along for mine I got a friendly, reassuring and efficient welcome from the NHS staff plus some cheery waves from residents I know, who were volunteering there.

"This is our community at its very best and they have truly earned our thanks and gratitude.”