Rise in abuse at vaccine centres

HEALTH workers delivering Covid vaccinations will not tolerate any “violence, aggression or abuse”, the health board has warned.

It comes after reports of staff at a vaccination centre being subjected to abuse at the weekend.

Booster vaccinations were being given at at a hospital where staff were dealing with those who had appointments but also vaccinating people who had simply turned up.

A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokeswoman said priority was given to booked appointments.

This meant those without appointments had to wait for up to an hour.

One reader said: “Those who had to wait were making their feelings known and the staff, most of them volunteers, were taking the brunt of it. It was unpleasant to hear.

“It was cold and it was wet and there was no shelter, but we were there for a specific reason, and those who were being verbally aggressive should have been aware of the conditions and worn at least a coat.”

Ffion Johnstone, West Area Director for BCUHB, said: “In recent weeks our hard working vaccination staff and volunteers have experienced an increase in abuse from people attending our vaccination sites.

“No one should expect to come to work and be abused, not least our vaccination staff and volunteers, who are working to keep people safe during a pandemic.

“Our staff and volunteers are working incredibly hard to ensure that people receive their vaccination as quickly and as safely as possible. Please be patient and treat them with politeness and respect.

“We would also like to remind people that we will not tolerate violence, aggression or abuse towards our staff.

“Anyone who causes alarm or distress to others at any of our vaccination centres may be asked to leave, or in more serious circumstances the police will be contacted.”