A GP surgery started vaccinating care home residents in Rhyl last week.

Residents at Barchester’s Bradshaw Manor Care Home, on Chester Street, receive their first vaccination from the team at Clarence Medical Centre.

Heidi Crompton, general manager, said the vaccine has lifted the spirits of their workers and residents after a difficult year.

She added: “We’ve had a year like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel. Our teams have been magnificent in how they have risen to every challenge during this pandemic and we are proud to play our part in this next phase to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”

The jab given was the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Staff at Bradshaw Manor have also received their first vaccine and are delighted to play their part in protecting our residents and their families.

Emily Richardson, staff member at Bradshaw Manor said: “I am so pleased to be given the vaccine. It will help to keep our residents safe, and is the first step in getting things back to normal and having a buzz of visitors in the home once again.”

Resident Tony Mitchell was one of the first residents to receive the vaccine.

He said: "With the beginning of a new year, I am delighted this is how we are starting, a little bit of hope.

"I am celebrating my 80th birthday next month so am delighted things are moving forward."

Bradshaw Manor provides nursing care and Elderly Mentally Infirm (EMI) residential care.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is involving primary care colleagues in delivering the vaccine as part of the roll-out in North Wales. The military is also supporting the delivery of the programme.

Readers are asked to be patient as the BCUHB work through the priority groups.