Having spent the pandemic fighting cancer, Kathryn Walsh described receiving her COVID-19 vaccination from Altrincham Healthcare Alliance PCN as “a ray of hope.”
Twelve months ago Kathryn discovered a lump in her breast and has been undergoing cancer treatment, including chemotherapy.
The mother-of-three has been shielding for much of the pandemic and said: “The vaccine brings a ray of hope to us all. I’d love to be able to hug all my family and friends who’ve been supporting me through my cancer journey. Shielding’s tough, but I feel so blessed to have been confined with my family – so many others are facing tough challenges alone.
“I’m hopeful that the vaccine marks the start of a new chapter and a chance to embrace life once more.” 
Kathryn was one of more than 1700 patients vaccinated over two days (January 21 and January 23) by Altrincham Healthcare Alliance PCN which includes Altrincham Medical Practice, Park Medical Practice, Shay Lane Medical Centre (Drs Kelman, Cranston, Naylor, Pathak and Haslam), St Johns Medical Centre and West Timperley Medical Centre.
And celebrating her 74th birthday with a COVID-19 vaccination was Sandra George from Timperley who described it as “the perfect present.”
Clinicians from the PCN’s five GP practices also vaccinated their housebound patients last week. Among those were 92-year-old William Farrington and wife, Hazel, from Altrincham whose son, Clive, had a US No.1 and global hit with ‘The Promise’ in the 80s. Said William: “We’re thrilled to get the vaccine. Family’s everything to us: we speak every day even with children living abroad. I’m 93 in April and really hope this vaccine allows people to get out again and celebrate life to the full.”
Dr Maz Sangha, Clinical Director of Altrincham Healthcare Alliance and GP Partner at St Johns Medical Centre, said he continues to be “overwhelmed by the support” and “fantastic teamwork.” He added: “This is a joint effort and I applaud each person involved. Everyone’s working together tirelessly to deliver the vaccine to patients of five GP practices.
“Our patients have been incredible: their continued messages of thanks and incredibly supportive comments has been very humbling and is very much appreciated.”
Next week Altrincham Healthcare Alliance PCN, of which Park Medical Practice is part, has been told they will receive only 800 vaccines. Dr Sangha added: “It’s hard for the patients as they are eager to receive the vaccine as quickly as possible. We contact them as soon as the vaccine supply is confirmed to us: which can often be at short notice. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and reassure them that we are committed to working non-stop to enable our patients to have the vaccine as soon as possible.”
