MP Rayner salutes NHS 'heroes'

Ashton and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner

Ashton and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner said she was ‘bursting with pride’ after hosting a virtual meeting with NHS workers from all over the country.

NHS England representatives got in touch with Ms Rayner to update her on the progress of the vaccine rollout.

The hardworking doctors and nurses told Ms Rayner what support they need from government to ensure they can effectively deliver the vaccine to people as quickly as possible.

They also discussed how they are coping with staffing levels when employees have to isolate due to coming into contact with someone who has covid as well as plans for the vaccine rollout to people beyond the main priority groups.

Ms Rayner, Labour’s Deputy Leader, said: “Our NHS staff don't wear capes, but they are all heroes as far as I'm concerned.

"I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

“The rollout of the vaccine is a crucial moment and the national effort is absolutely vital.

"The government must get this right – we cannot have another repeat of the failures that we have seen over PPE, care homes and test and trace.

“Our amazing NHS staff are ready to get Britain vaccinated – we need to be hitting four million per week by February.

"The government need to play their part and ensure they get the vaccines out to the NHS and give our NHS staff clarity about how many vaccines they will be getting and when so they can plan.

“It’s absolutely crucial for our businesses and our economy that we get Britain vaccinated and get into a place where restrictions can be lifted and we can secure our economy.

"To enable that to happen we need the government to be delivering millions of vaccinations every week.

“The message is very clear – if the government sorts out the supply and delivers the vaccines to our NHS then the NHS will get people vaccinated.”

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