Doctor thanks staff and volunteers for helping Dingwall practice meet huge challenge of Covid-19 vaccination rollout
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THE frustration of people awaiting vaccination against Covid-19 has been acknowledged by a leading Ross-shire GP amid appeals for patience.
Dr Miles Mack of Dingwall Medical Group — which has one of the largest patient lists in Ross-shire – said he was pleased how smooth the process had been to date given the huge logistical challenge.
He said: “We have been tasked to ensure that the first people to be vaccinated are the ones who are the most at risk of becoming seriously ill and there is a clear and logical step by step sequence that we are working through. This has been set nationally. We understand just how frustrating it is for people as they wait their turn but please be reassured that we are arranging vaccination clinics as soon as we receive the vaccines in the practice and bear with us until such time as we can call you for your appointment.”
Patients will be contacted by a phone call and are asked to look out for a call. It may be that the number is withheld or not a number that you normally would be expected to be called from, the practice said.
Dr Mack said that while the supply of vaccines “has been a little slower than we have liked” it is expected to pick up as March progresses.
Clinics for patients soon to be due a second dose are also being arranged. Vaccination is being carried out in addition to the usual work of the health centre.
He paid tribute to staff and volunteers for putting in extra hours and huge commitment shown.
Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Graham Mackenzie said he was very impressed with the way the vaccination had been rolled out locally by practices under very challenging circumstances.
He said: "I think the vast majority of people accept they have done a great job – I have great admiration of them."
Patients have also shared their views. One posted: "It's an enormous undertaking and I'm sure all the surgeries in Highlands are doing their very best. We are used to waiting in queues for turns. Thank you for everything you all do around Highlands to get everyone vaccinated."
Related: Ask the doc: 'I'm feeling anxious about the vaccine'
Dingwall group thanks volunteers for going the extra mile
