Covid: Musselburgh medical practice unable to vaccinate 300 patients over-75s receives extra supplies

Riverside Medical Practice has announced that it has now received enough supplies to invite all remaining 75-79 year-olds and shielding patients to have their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The announcement comes after the practice had previously been left short of 300 supplies, despite the First Minister's announcement on Monday confirming all over 75’s should have already been invited to an appointment.

The surgery will hold a special vaccine clinic on Saturday offering appointments to as many patients as possible, anyone unable to attend will receive their jag next week.

Dr Richard Fairclough, GP Partner at Riverside Medical Practice said his team is busy making calls inviting patients to the Saturday clinic.

The practice partner said: "We're delighted to now have enough doses to offer an appointment to all patients eligible to be vaccinated at the surgery.

"The Scottish government’s announcements on Monday did cause some confusion and anxiety for our patients, and we're so pleased it's now been sorted out, thanks to the hard work of our team and great support from our partners at the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

"Our team is now busy making calls to invite as many patients as possible to a vaccine clinic on Saturday 20 February.

“Those who we aren't able to contact before then, and those who can't make it to the surgery on Saturday, will be invited to appointments next week.”

Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie has thanked the hardworking staff for their dedication and professionalism throughout the supply issues.

He said: “It is very reassuring that all remaining 75-79-year-olds and shielding patients are scheduled to receive their first jags this weekend.

“I’d like to thank all those who had been waiting for their patience and to the hard working staff involved in both administering the vaccines and in the complex supply chain for their dedication and professionalism.”

However, Lothian MSP Miles Briggs described the Scottish government as a “weak link” in the supply chain.

The MSP said: “It is totally unacceptable that SNP Ministers have failed to get enough vaccines to Riverside Medical Practice leaving 300 elderly patients, who are at significantly higher risk to Covid-19, still to be vaccinated.

“The vaccines are available, GP practices are ready to deliver the vaccines, but this SNP Government has been incapable of getting the vaccines to where they need to be.

“It has become apparent during this pandemic that SNP decision makers are the weak link and things run more smoothly when they are less involved.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “This is the biggest vaccination programme ever undertaken in Scotland, and we thank everyone involved in its delivery. The pace is dependent on vaccine supply and delivery timescales and we continue to work closely across the four nations to ensure this is as smooth as possible. We continue to urge everyone to take up their appointment when they are offered one.”

Dr Fairclough has asked that all patients to wait for the surgery to call them to arrange vaccination appointments.

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