A "CONSIDERABLE number of errors" was made in telling people in Argyll and Bute about the area's Covid booster vaccination programme.

The admission comes from the interim chief officer of the area's health and social care partnership (HSCP), which took on the job of rolling out booster jags across most of Argyll and Bute this autumn.

First and second doses across the area had been administered by local GP practices.

Fiona Davies apologised to all those affected by the "errors in communication" - and insisted that "lessons have been learnt" from the experience.

Ms Davies has led the partnership on an interim basis since Joanna MacDonald moved on to work for the Scottish Government earlier this year.

She also expressed hope that the groups identified for a booster vaccine will have received it by the end of 2021 - and paid tribute to the staff who have worked to deliver booster and flu vaccines over the last few weeks.

The details feature in a report to go before the HSCP’s integration joint board (IJB) at its virtual meeting on Wednesday, November 24.

Ms Davies said: “Whilst a huge effort has been under way to ensure that all our population required to have Covid-19 vaccinations through the autumn, a considerable number of errors in communication of available clinics and appointment letters have occurred.

“I would like to apologise for the uncertainty, anxiety and inconvenience that this has caused.

“Lessons have been learnt as we have been progressing and changes to appointment booking has been made.

"I hope this will bring an improved experience to our communities.

“At the time of writing we are scheduled to complete the tranches identified for vaccine this season by end of December, and we await JCVI guidance beyond that point.

“I would like to thank everyone who is involved in the vaccination programme work in delivering the boosters across Argyll and Bute.

"I would also like to add my thanks to our GP colleagues who have been delivering the flu vaccines to our population.”

Ms Davies also hailed the launch of the community link worker (CLW) service in Argyll and Bute, regarded as a key element in the modernisation of primary care services.

She added: “CLWs recognise that social issues such as debt, relationships, employment and loneliness can affect people’s health and wellbeing, and will connect people to sources of support or resources within their community.

“This service will make a significant contribution to improving people’s health and wellbeing and is part of an expansion of services delivered within GP practices and people can be referred to the service via their GP.”