As Chair of NHS Calderdale CCG and a local GP I would like to thank the people of Calderdale for their patience and understanding of the measures we’ve put in place to slow the spread of the virus. 

 

My colleagues and I have been speaking with patients via telephone and video calls whilst the majority of our surgeries have been closed to the public, and for many of us this is something totally new. We’ve had to embrace technology  to keep GP services going and keep people safe, and I want to recognise the resilience and dedication of GP practice staff, and the vital support from support staff across Calderdale’s health and care system.  

 

In my role as Chair of Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group,  I’ve also seen the wider picture of how organisations across our area have come together during the pandemic. 

  

The NHS, local authority and West Yorkshire Fire Services have worked in partnership to provide a local coronavirus testing service for local people, run by volunteers from our clinical commissioning group.  Nurses from our Clinical Commissioning have worked in care homes, helping staff care for people recovering from coronavirus.  

 

The pandemic has had a big impact many people’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, but I’m heartened by the work all of Calderdale’s key workers in keeping things going – not just those in the NHS, but in supermarkets, public services and more. 

  

Last, but not least, I’d like to thank you for the support you’ve shown, and continue to show the NHS. Coronavirus may have changed a lot of things, but the NHS is still here for you, your family and your community. If you need help contact your surgery or NHS 111 online or via telephone, and if you’re advised to go to hospital, please do so.