NHS says it’s sorry for flu jab mix-up

NHS Lanarkshire has apologised for a flu jab mix-up that meant some people missed their appointments.

A number of letters dropped through doors after the scheduled vaccination dates had passed.

And the health board also said sorry after it emerged a computer error meant some flu jab clinics were not running at full capacity earlier this month.

Confusion emerged on social media on the weekend of October 17 when people began claiming you could turn up without an appointment at a clinic in Motherwell Concert Hall.

However, there are no drop- in flu jab clinics in Lanarkshire. The health board had invited some people along by text, at short notice, because some clinics had spare capacity.

Joanne Jenkins, associate nurse director with South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care partnership, said: “This year, NHS Lanarkshire is delivering the flu vaccine to more than 300,000 people.

“Last week [week ending October 18], due to a national computer system error, there were a number of clinics across Lanarkshire that were not running to full capacity.

“To make best use of these clinics NHS Lanarkshire took the decision to text patients who had been shielding and offer them an appointment at short notice.

“Members of their households were also invited to attend a clinic. These clinics were not ‘drop-in’ clinics as everyone received an appointment. NHS Lanarkshire is not running drop-in clinics this year.”

The health board received a further blow after reports emerged that some patients who were eligible for the vaccination received a letter after their scheduled appointment.

One patient who is eligible and in the over65 category said: “I had been eagerly waiting on my letter and normally receive the letter at the start of September.

“I totally appreciate because of the unprecedented circumstances that it would be later this year, but I was disappointed to receive my letter which came on Monday and was two days out of a date. I had missed my appointment.”

Joanne Jenkins added: “We are also aware of patients who have received their letter after their scheduled appointment.

“We would like to apologise for any frustration this may have caused and encourage people to call the number on their letter to rebook their appointment. As the programme progresses, we are looking at different ways to contact patients, not just by letter.

“We are appealing for your patience and understanding and we would like to reassure everyone that staff are working hard to make sure everyone gets their vaccination as soon and as safely as possible.”

This year, more than 300,000 people across Lanarkshire are eligible for the flu vaccine. This includes youngsters aged two to five (not yet in school); everyone aged under 65 who is at risk; everyone aged 65 and over; people who have been shielding and members of their households; and peopled aged 55 to 64 who are not otherwise eligible, if vaccine supplies allow later in the programme.