NHS apologises after patients at Telford's newest vaccination centre join long queues due to booking error
NHS bosses have apologised after a national booking error caused long queues to form outside Telford's newest coronavirus vaccination centre.
Covid-19 jabs began at AFC Telford’s New Bucks Head stadium yesterday, however there seemed to be some teething troubles.
Some patients turning up for appointments at the Wellington sports ground said they had long waits.
The problems are believed to have been caused by the national booking system.
The NHS says the situation was out of Wellington Pharmacy’s control, and it should be more manageable from today.
Carol Derricott, 79, said she waited for about an hour and 45 minutes before getting to her appointment.
She said: “It was pouring with rain for an hour so people did get wet.
"It’s the first day so it’s going to be a bit chaotic, as long as they sort it out.
"I didn’t see anyone leave the queue though. We were determined we would have it.
"When I got in there it was very efficient. They are very careful. I felt very safe.”
Julian Walton had taken his neighbour to the sports ground yesterday afternoon so she could have her jab.
The 76-year-old said: “Her appointment was booked for 2.30pm and she can’t stand for a long time so I had to take her place in the queue while she waited in the car.”
An NHS Midlands spokesman said: “We are sorry residents had to queue at AFC Telford vaccination site.
"Due to circumstances outside Wellington Pharmacy’s control, there were a lot of residents booked in yesterday.
"We anticipate today being more manageable with normal levels of vaccinations throughout the week.”
