Health board says sorry for distress and anxiety over flu jab failures
Scotland’s largest health board has issued an apology for any “distress and anxiety” caused by failures in its seasonal flu vaccination programme.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), who admitted they have handled the roll out of the vaccine programme badly, is tr ying to deal with a backlog of p ens io ne rs who have yet to receive their jab – including some who were notified about their appointment after it had taken place.
T h e h e a l t h b o a r d s a i d a l l remaining letters to the over65 age group will be sent this week and their vaccinations will be scheduled before the end of November.
Jane Grant, chief executive of NHSGGC, said: “On behalf of the health board, I would like to sincerely ap ologise to all those people who have experienced issues with their flu vaccination appointments.
“We are ver y sorr y for any distress and anxiety this has caused, especially among the more vulnerable members of our local communities.
“There have been a number of challenges with the delivery of the flu vaccination programme and we have taken action to ensure this situation never happens again.”
She added: “For those who received their letter after their a p p o i n t m e n t d a t e , we w i l l ensure that you get an alternative appointment.
“We understand that many people have struggled to get through to our appointment line and we are very sorry for that.”
The health board said it has taken on 20 call handlers to help with the number of people contacting them over the vaccination.
S enior members have also met local politicians to discuss the concerns raised.
L a s t we e k , N H S L a n a r k - s h i r e a p o l o g i s e d o v e r l e t - ter s received after patients’ appointment dates.
It also took on extra staff as it became the health board area with the highest rate of coronavirus infection across Scotland.
M s G r a n t a d d e d : T h e
f l u
vaccination programme has b een esp ecially challenging this year due to the increased number of eligible people and because it is vitally important
t h a t we a d h e r e t o p hys i c a l distancing guidelines when administering vaccinations. However, we will make sure we learn the lessons from what
has happened this year and put imeasures in place to avoid these issues being repeated.”