The eyes of the world turned to Coventry and Warwickshire this month as the very first patient to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine (outside of a clinical trial) did so at our partner site, University Hospital Coventry.

90-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan received that first vaccination on 8 December, marking the beginning of the biggest vaccine campaign in NHS history.

The news of the landmark event was welcomed by staff and students at Warwick Medical School and the wider University of Warwick community, many of whom work closely with and have roles at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, which manages the hospital.

The University works with the Trust to support the training of the next generation of doctors and medical researchers, as well as collaborating on cutting-edge research.

Professor Andy Hardy, Honorary Professor at University of Warwick and Chief Executive Officer at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “ I am incredibly proud of the efforts and professionalism of the amazing staff that made this first vaccination happen here in our region.

“The partnership between the hospital and University of Warwick sees students, clinicians, researchers, lecturers and professionals working in close collaboration, and I know that they will share my sentiments in thanking those involved in this landmark moment for putting the spotlight on the fantastic work in healthcare in Coventry and Warwickshire.”