A SIGNIFICANT issue with the COVID-19 vaccination appointing system has seen many people in Dumfries and Galloway called to attend clinics over the weekend that were not taking place.
Work is taking place to resolve this issue.
As a result, any adult with a rescheduled appointment for a date any day this week is being asked NOT to attend.
This will be an appointment they have been able to reschedule through the national appointing system.
To be very clear, NO CLINICS for rescheduled adult appointments are running this week.
The only clinics running between today April 4 up to Sunday April 10 are first dose vaccination clinics for young people aged 5 to 11.
Young people aged 5 to 11 are receiving appointment letters directly through the local system. Any changes to these appointments must be done locally, by phoning the local team on 01387 403090 or emailing dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot
Dr Nigel Calvert is Vaccination Co-ordinator for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and he said: “Very sincere apologies are extended to everyone impacted by the issues experienced with rescheduled appointments.
“No clinics for rescheduled adult appointments are running in the region this week, and we’re continuing to work with the national appointing team in order to resolve this issue around incorrect appointments and ensure that the situation is not repeated.
“Everyone who has been provided a rescheduled appointment for this week should now be being contacted directly in order to see this addressed – and being provided with the next available correct slot.
“However, we’d encourage anyone with any concerns or questions to approach our local team who will be well placed to discuss and advise, telephoning 01387 403090 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or emailing dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot
“Again, the very sincerest apologies for this situation. We are still seeking an understanding around how people were able to reschedule into clinics that were not taking place, and to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“People have been hugely receptive to the COVID vaccination programme in Dumfries and Galloway, and the uptake has undoubtedly played a massive role in helping to prevent the worst possible effects of the virus among most people.
“The last thing we want to do is let anyone down, and our vaccination teams are heartfelt in this expression of apology.”