Worksop dental nurses turned away from Chesterfield hospital for Covid-19 vaccine after booking error

Dental nurses who work in Worksop were turned away from Chesterfield Royal Hospital for their Covid-19 vaccines earlier this week, following an error with booking appointments.
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A dental practice manager who works in Worksop was turned away from their vaccine appointment at Chesterfield hospital yesterday (January 13) after healthcare workers were invited to book slots for the immunisation jab.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have apologised for the error which forced a group of dental nurses to cancel their appointments, after they were mistakenly invited to book a slot for the coronavirus vaccine through a partner organisation, despite not being high up enough on the priority list.

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One nurse who was meant to be vaccinated said her colleagues were ‘in limbo’ now as they await to hear when they can receive the injection against Covid-19, as their doctors surgeries are not currently providing them.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital.Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has now confirmed that other healthcare staff will be included in the next vaccination priority phase over the next few weeks.

A trust spokesperson said: “We are sorry that some healthcare colleagues feel upset and frustrated about their experience of trying to access the COVID-19 vaccine and appreciate this is an anxious time for many.

"We are working incredibly hard, 12 hours day, to give thousands of doses to health and social care staff across the Derbyshire health system – following national recommended criteria that sets out a number of risk priorities, including people with a BAME background, those with health conditions (who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable) and staff working with confirmed or potentially positive COVID-19 patients in hospitals, surgeries, clinics, care homes and residential homes.

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“We are collaborating with lead partner organisations to book people in.

"Regrettably, our on-line appointment system function was mistakenly shared this week.

"Unfortunately, it meant we had to advise some health care colleagues that they should not have been offered the vaccine at this time - as they did not fall within these current priority parameters and could compromise supplies allocated to people considered most ‘at-risk’.

"Other healthcare staff will be included in the next vaccination priority phase, during the next few weeks, with options of having it in a hub closer to where they work, or here at the hospital if they prefer.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.