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Elderly Patients Forced To Queue For Covid Jab In Freezing Temperatures

Elderly Patients Forced To Queue For Covid Jab In Freezing Temperatures

The man who shared the video says that his parents left without getting vaccinated

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

This video shows hundreds of people queuing for the Covid vaccine in near-freezing temperatures:

The Jenner Practice, in Forest Hill, London, opened to people aged 80 and over who are deemed at high risk of catching the deadly virus.

Many of the people that turned up yesterday (8 January) were seen wrapped in hats and scarves and some were accompanied by relatives or carers.

Two people hoping to get the vaccination were Maria Demetrious' parents who ended up leaving without getting the jab.

Twitter/@P_Demetrious

Speaking to LADbible, Maria - who took the video - said: "My mum was left distraught after them being kept safe for 10 months this was meant to be light at the end of the tunnel.

"Why would they then go and stand in a queue outside with all those people? They were safer without the vaccine at home."

The family have shared the video on social media in a quest for answers and also in the hope that lessons can be learned to improve things.

Maria's brother, Paul, shared the clip on Twitter. He tagged the practice as well as adding: "My Parents have been isolating since Feb20. On arrival for Dads #COVID19 #vaccine time slot met this Circus! They left without it! Answers?!"

The queue stretched on to the road.
Twitter/@P_Demetrious

In response to the tweet, the official account for NHS Lewisham CCG said: "We're sorry your parents faced this situation. This was the first vaccination day for the service, lessons have been learned.

"Vaccinators doubled to reduce waiting time; patients asked to arrive 5 minutes before appt. These will ease queues and hopefully reassure your parents."

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also thanked Mr Demetrious for raising the issue, adding: "The matter has been raised to the appropriate Inspector for review."

LADbible has contacted the CQC for further comment.

Twitter/@P_Demetrious

Many people commented on the video, with one person writing: "I look forward to taking my 87yr old mum for hers BUT she can not walk more than 200 yards and certainly not stand for more than 5 to 10 mins. I cannot believe that they expect the 80+ to queue and stand in freezing conditions for ANY length of time."

Someone else added: "Everyone is trying their hardest and unfortunately these queues are going to happen - it's inevitable as everyone is having to think on their feet and make this happen. Please be patient, wrap up warm - getting the Jab is so important."

Another suggested that those unable to stand and wait should try and request a home visit to offer an easier alternative while ensuring the vaccine is administered.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@P_Demetrious

Topics: UK News, News, Coronavirus, Community