Mull's slow vaccine roll out is causing alarm

Clarity is being sought over the schedule of covid vaccinations on Mull.

 

Patients in their 80s remain anxious for information on when they will be called, says Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant.

 

Several contacted the MSP last month saying fears of a slow vaccine roll out was causing alarm across the island.

 

They said they had been told the vaccine would not arrive on the island until the beginning of February, by which time, over-80s elsewhere should have had their jabs in line with the Scottish Government’s February target.

 

Mrs Grant said: 'I raised their concerns in Parliament with the First Minister a fortnight ago and she said she was going to look into it but she hasn’t yet given me a reply.

 

'I further raised it at a meeting on Friday January 29 with NHS Highland who said they are on it and will meet their timeframe to have all over 80’s vaccinated by February 5.

 

'But people living on Mull are feeling the roll out there is being handled in a very furtive manner when it should be fully transparent. They just want to know what is happening and where.'

 

One of those who contacted Mrs Grant was 72-year-old Cameron Fletcher from Tobermory who says Mull people are being treated like 'rubbish.'

 

Mr Fletcher, who is still waiting for his first vaccination invite despite the First Minister saying all over 80s in Scotland should have their first doses by the middle of this month, claims Mull is only receiving 200 doses a week and 'it's a scandal.'

 

'There are people I know of the same age on the mainland and they've all had their letters. We are being treated like rubbish, like second-rate citizens. Something has to be done to get people here vaccinated quicker. It's just a disgrace,' he said.

 

An email sent by Mrs Grant on Monday to NHS Highland’s chief executive Pam Dudek asked for answers.

 

Her email said: 'Constituents are getting in touch complaining the roll out on Mull is furtive when it should be transparent. They just want to know what is happening and when. They need some reassurance.

 

'I would therefore be grateful if you could confirm that vaccinating of the over 80s is underway in the Ross area and Iona, and that the over 80s in Tobermory and North Mull will be vaccinated next week, followed by Salen and Craignure. I would appreciate an early reply.'

 

 

Caption: Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant raises the issue of vaccines on Mull.

 

NO F41 Rhoda-Grant-MSP