Early queues for Covid vaccine in Peterborough as Jim, 95, one of the oldest to receive it so far

Earlier this week a number of people contacted the Peterborough Telegraph to say that waiting times were lengthy and one woman told us her 89-year-old mother had had to wait for more than an hour past her scheduled appointment.

She said: “ It was a concern as my brother, who accompanied mum, said some patients were arriving without an appointment and others were being directed from other hospital departments.

“They brought chairs and organised social distancing but there were long waits for many elderly people. The staff were great but it seemed there were many more there than expected.”

Dr Kanchan Rege, Chief Medical Officer told the Peterborough Telegraph: “We appreciate the patience of the over 80s and social care staff who are trying to get through to our booking line for the Covid-19 vaccination.

“The line has been exceptionally busy this week as people have started to receive their letters and booking numbers.

“Therefore we have added extra staff to manage the line and help prevent long waits to get through.

“You can only attend the hospital vaccination clinic if you have a confirmed appointment made, there is no walk-in facility for the vaccine for patients who are just coming to the hospital for vaccination.

“We ask that anyone attending a pre-booked appointment does not arrive early as this will help manage any queues. We have floor stickers and signage reminding everyone to maintain social distancing at all times. Face coverings must also be worn at all times when standing in the queue and within the clinic.

“We are incredibly pleased with the positive uptake of the vaccine so far and thank everyone once again for their understanding and patience as we implement this new service in our hospital.”

One of the oldest patients so far was 95-year-old Jim Truman who came in to receive the first dose of his vaccine on Thursday (December 10) .

Jim lived through the blitz in the east end of London during World War 2 and joined the Kent Home Guard at 16 years of age.

His daughter Val brought him into the clinic and said: “It is an incredible relief for Dad to be getting his vaccination and will help put our minds at ease once he’s had the second dose.

“The feeling in the clinic is one of real hope and that’s something we’ve desperately needed this year.”

The city hospital said in a statement: “Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding this week as we launched the vaccine clinic.

“Our booking line is open from 9am to 5pm and we are continuing to vaccinate over the weekend.

“If you have booked a vaccine and are coming in to our hospital then please try not to arrive early, ensure you wear a face covering at all times and remember to socially distance from others around you.”

The booking line number is 0800 052 1042.