"This roll-out is a mammoth undertaking and I pay tribute to all the NHS staff"

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) reached a significant milestone last Monday (February 1) when it became the first Health Board in Wales to administer over 100,000 vaccines. Subject to supply, the Health Board is on track to vaccinate those in the top four priority groups by the middle of this month. The North Wales Health Board expects to vaccinate almost another 100,000 people during the first couple of weeks of February.

This past week the focus has shifted towards inviting those over 70 and the clinically extremely vulnerable for their vaccines, with the vast majority of over 80s having already received their first dose. Vaccinations are by appointment only, with invitations to attend being sent using a range of mechanisms. Appointments at the vaccination centres are posted out, with GP surgeries generally using telephone calls and text messages to inform their patients.

A helpline has been set up for anyone aged 80 or over to contact the Health Board if they are still awaiting their first vaccine appointment. The number to call is 03000 840004 and lines are open 8am-8pm. After some initial glitches, I am aware BCUHB has drafted in more staff and I believe the system is working well.

As mentioned in last week's column, I recently visited North Wales' first Local Vaccination Centre, which is located at Glyndwr University. After initially being open three days a week, supplies have become more reliable so the workforce has increased and the centre was open for six days last week.

The dedicated staff are doing a tremendous job. This roll-out is a mammoth undertaking and I pay tribute to all the NHS staff who are working incredibly hard to deliver the programme as quickly and safely as possible.

The Welsh Government has outlined further details of the £200 million package of support for a range of businesses that continue to be impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

This latest funding is, in effect, a top-up to the Restrictions Business Fund, that was put in place in December.

To ensure eligible businesses receive the money as quickly as possible, the funding will be administered to local authorities who will then automatically distribute the funds via their existing business rates systems.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has ensured more than £1.7 billion of business support has reached the bank accounts of Welsh firms, helping protect tens of thousands of jobs that might otherwise have been lost.

• Times remain tough for many and if you are a constituent in Wrexham and believe there is something I could help you with, please get in touch via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call: 01978 355743.