A GP and her team who has been at the forefront of Barrow’s battle against Covid have been praised by her local MP and the Health Secretary.

Dr Sarah Arun, 44, is the clinical director at Barrow and Millom Primary Care Network and has been instrumental in making the area’s Covid vaccine rollout one of the most successful in the country.

VACCINE: Dr Sarah Arun has been instrumental in the vaccine rollout

VACCINE: Dr Sarah Arun has been instrumental in the vaccine rollout

She has ten years’ experience as a GP in Barrow and has been part of the PCN for two years.

Dr Arun said: “My job would be much harder if it had not been for the professional and dedicated team I’ve got at my side.

"The Barrow and Millom PCN was introduced by NHS England in 2019 to bring together all the practices in the area around certain projects.

"I've found it to be a great job and I think it's one of the most challenging out there with so many different practices out there.

"I'm lucky to have a team who are so professional at times like this.

"With Covid, everyone – as usual – all just did what they had to do. We did our bit for the area and the NHS.

"A lot of credit has to go to the people of the area who were so co-operative and were so keen to help us.

HERO: Dr Sarah Arun at the start of the vaccination programme at Alfred Barrow Health Centre. December 2020

HERO: Dr Sarah Arun at the start of the vaccination programme at Alfred Barrow Health Centre. December 2020

"The vaccine rollout has been the best example of so many people working together toward a common goal.

"With myself being lead for Barrow and Millom, I can't tell you how grateful I am to have my team with me.

"Every staff member in all of the ten practices have contributed to this. We've had great involvement from the Rotary Club, Barrow Borough Council and BAE.

"So many people volunteered for the clinics and centres.

"We have 96% of Barrow's over 50s vaccinated, and 67% of over 18s done."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock wrote a letter naming Barrow and Millom PCN as being one of the best in the country, with further praise given by MP Simon Fell.

Sarah added: "It felt great that we were mentioned. It's a big morale booster and it really inspires us to keep going.

"To be recognised by the Health Secretary is incredible and all the credits really goes to my team for what they've done."