Health secretary Matt Hancock visits Stocksbridge health centre ahead of local elections

Mr Hancock and local MP Miriam Cates spoke to doctors, nurses, managers, receptionists and volunteers at The Valley Medical Centre on Johnson Street, where vaccinations have been delivered since January.

GPs Surgeries across the Upper Don Valley have been working together to deliver vaccination clinics, sharing staff to ensure that essential services are still being delivered alongside the vaccine rollout.

Over 64 per cent of UK adults have now received at least one dose and the programme is on target to offer a vaccination to all over 18s by the end of July. Vaccinations are now available for anyone aged 40 and over.

Mr Hancock said: "It’s been fantastic to meet such a dedicated primary care team from the Valley Medical Centre, Deepcar and Oughtibridge surgeries who have played such a vital role in the vaccination programme.

"I had my first jab yesterday and encourage everyone to book in as soon as they are eligible.”

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates added: ‘It’s been a privilege to welcome the Secretary of State here to Stocksbridge today and I’m so proud of our amazing primary care teams.

"With over 11,000 doses delivered here in the Upper Don Valley, and 1.1 million vaccine doses now administered in South Yorkshire, we are making significant progress in the fight against Covid.”

Elections for Sheffield Council take place on Thursday, May 6. If the Conservatives were to take Stocksbridge and Upper Don, it would be their first win in Sheffield since 2004.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.