‘OAPs shouldn’t have to travel for booster jabs’
MSP urges pensioners to rearrangevaccines
Elderly residents who have been given jab slots outwith Renfrewshire are being urged to reschedule for a local centre.
MSP Natalie Don has called on the area’s older people, set to receive covid boosters, to rearrange if they are anxious about travelling to facilities elsewhere.
It comes as the row over pensioners being sent miles outwith their communities to get jabbed, deepens.
The Express previously told how a 93-year-old woman was sent on a 44-mile round trip from her home in Bridge of Weir to the Vale of Leven Hospital in West Dunbartonshire.
The news sparked a call from politicians demanding “local jags for local people”.
But a host of others have now come forward with similar stories, including a 90-year-old woman who was given an appointment in Clydebank, and another elderly blind woman from Paisley being asked to attend her jab appointment in Glasgow’s Gorbals.
Posting on social media, another added: “My mother-in-law has a vaccination clinic two minutes from her house and they sent her an appointment to go to Milngavie and she is also in her 90s.
“My sister-in-law managed to get it changed for an appointment round the corner on the same day as the original appointment with a choice of various times.
“Who is actually making these appointments because they really need retrained.”
But now the SNP’s Ms Don has appealed to those affected to swap to a more local venue if they have concerns.
The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, spoke out after voicing her concerns to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
They blamed the anomaly on the way their computer booking systems allocate appointments and pledged that Renfrewshire residents can call to rebook at a closer location.
Ms Don said: “I am thankful that the health board have taken heed of my concerns and have apologised for arranging flu and Covid-19 booster jab appointments for my older constituents so far away from their homes.
“I have been handling several cases for older constituents who were struggling to meet their appointments for this vital protection ahead of the winter season but, thankfully, they have either managed to obtain support to travel to West Dunbartonshire or Glasgow, or re-arranged to be vaccinated more locally.”
She added: “Although older residents should have been provided with locally based appointments in the first place, I would urge any of my constituents worried about travelling outside of the county, to take the opportunity to rearrange their appointment at one of the more conveniently accessible Renfrewshire venues.”
A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We have tried to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their vaccine, and we would like to thank everyone who has rolled up their sleeve to date.
“If patients find that they have been allocated an appointment at a clinic which is too far, or are worried about travelling to a clinic, they can change their appointment to a different clinic or get support by calling the national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.”
He added: “For patients unable or worried about travelling to and from a clinic, free transport and support is available to ensure they are able to safely attend their appointment.
“Any patient wishing to utilise this service or who are concerned about accessing a clinic, should call the national flu hotline on 0800 030 8013.
“People with mobility issues who need to attend a vaccination centre can use SPT’s bookable, door-todoor MyBus service. Registration is required prior to booking and advance booking is recommended, as capacity is limited due to social distancing requirements.
“Details are available at spt.co.uk/ bus/mybus or phone 0345 128 4025.”