Bexley has been heralded by Matt Hancock and the Government as one of the highest performing Covid vaccination teams in the country.

In a letter from March 1 penned to Bexleyheath and Crayford MP, David Evennett, the health secretary praised the "fantastic efforts" of local teams in "excellent news" welcomed across the borough.

According to Hancock, the efforts of the primary care network in Bexley, the APL network, and Bexley Voluntary Services Council have seen the borough's vaccination team become one of the highest performing in England.

The vaccine network has achieved the highest uptake across all four priority cohorts in south east London to date with 83.48%.

"APL have played a key role in ensuring Bexley as a borough has been able to deliver such a significant number of vaccines via PCN sites," Hancock's letter said.

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"Bexley Voluntary Services Council provided volunteer marshalls to APL PCN and were a big reason for their success.

"They supported patient flows through the surgery site, talking to and directing residents around the practice, supporting social distancing, marshalling and assistance."

The letter continued: "It's incredible to see this community spirit, as people pull together to lead us collectively out of the pandemic.

"I hope you will join me in thanking and congratulating all those involved in your area for the part they are playing in this national effort."

David Evennett MP called it "great news", tweeting out the letter and saying "many congratulations to all involved."

The Mayor of Bexley, Cllr James Hunt, was equally proud, calling it "truly excellent news."

"The team with this PCN are absolutely doing the most amazing work! Lets crack on and get the rest of Bexley jabbed soon."

NHS Bexley CCG described the letter as a "Brilliant testament to all the amazing work being done in Bexley by the NHS, community leaders and volunteers."