Vaccine judged safe and NHS success celebrated

As we print, the news that the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine gaining approval is still fresh, providing hope for NHS staff up and down the country.

The first doses of the jab, which offers up to 95 per cent protection against Covid-19 illness, are already on their way to the UK, with 800,000 due this week. Health and care staff are high in the order of who receives the vaccination first, alongside elderly people in care homes and care home staff.

Whilst the Prime Minister is right to warn against over optimism, the announcement that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve the coronavirus vaccine is undoubtedly very welcome good news.

On the topic of good news, the Health Business Awards return next week (10 December) where an online ceremony, a first for the event, will reveal the winning NHS organisations and their success stories across 18 categories. The two standout categories are the Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Award and the new COVID Response Award.

We list all of the shortlisted organisations on pages 15-21. Congratulations to all who have been recognised and best of luck for the 10 December.

Michael Lyons, editor