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baffled oaPs have missed flu jabs at Paisley’s new ‘super clinic’ because letters arrived afteR their appointment was due.
Scores of pensioners have been caught up in the mail blunder.
It’s the latest embarrassing problem to hit health chiefs during vaccine season with appointment dates dropping on doormats for times at the St Mirren Park flu centre that have been and gone.
One pensioner caught up in the mess, Patricia Robertson, 65, said: “I received my letter in the post on
Friday and my appointment was for Thursday.
“What use is that?”
It’s the latest blow to hit the mass vaccination for the over65s in Renfrewshire and has been branded a “shambles.”
The Express has already told how people from outlying areas were asked to take multiple bus trips to get to the football stadium.
Johnstone pensioner Catherine O’Neill, 79, revealed she couldn’t go to her GP 50 metres from her home, so instead will go without the vaccine this winter.
Now people are revealing if the appointment date is not already history, they are getting as little as a day’s notice.
Some have then called an NHS number in Glasgow to try and rebook - but have been unable to get through.
One woman from Erskine revealed she tried continually during Thursday to try and change her husband’s given slot.
She said: “He got his letter this morning for an appointment at 2.25pm today.
“I tried to phone 27 times since 9.45am and got through at 4.05pm to say it was closed.”
Care home worker Patricia Robertson feels left in the dark.
She said: “I spent my morning trying to get through to speak to someone and I have had no joy.
“I can’t seem to get any information at all on what I am supposed to do now?
“Will they just assume that I don’t need it because I never turned up for the appointment they sent me too late?
“Will they send me out another one that has already passed?
“Will they send one out that gives me any kind of notice to inform my work that I won’t be in?
“The communication with this has been terrible and I am no further forward in sorting out another appointment.”
Cath Clauson missed her appointment in Paisley without knowing it.
She said: “I had my letter delivered at 10.45 this morning and my appointment was 9.25 today. Cannot get through at all !”
Joyce Bingham was concerned about what was happening.
She said: “I have been trying for days and it’s engaged all the time.
“I cannot make my appointment so if they don’t answer before I am due then it wont be my mistake.
“Please NHS get your act together.”
Carolyn Munro is so frustrated she’ll pay for a private jag.
She said: “I got my letter in today for today at 10.05am.
“The letter came in 10.20am. I can’t be bothered with a carry on.”
While Lynda Kelly revealed she couldn’t get through to the flu helpline to get another date.
She said: I came home at 3.30pm to a letter saying my appointment was at 2.40pm today.”
Rachel McNish was the same, saying: “My letter came at 2pm for a 10am this morning. I eventually did get through (on the phone).
Linda McQueen also received the appointment letter at her house hours after it was scheduled.
And Janette McCartney said: “I also got my letter yesterday after the appointment time.
“I can’t get through to the number, then when I did got the answering service to say they only open between 10am - 4pm. “What a shambles!”
NHSGGC admit the process is different this year and apologised for mail problems.
A spokeswoman said: “NHSGGC has worked with local HSCPs and GPs to ensure we have an agreed flu vaccination programme.
“Over 65s will be invited to attend their local community flu vaccination centre and receive a letter confirming date and time.
“Letters are being sent by National Services Scotland and we understand that some appointment letters have arrived after the appointment date.
“We are sorry for this and will accommodate those affected and support them to reschedule.”