Surgeries around Manchester have high demand of calls and appointments with only very limited availability as well as their online system in full force as another way of access.
Emily Roughley, a receptionist at Pennygate Surgery in Hindley, signifies how they have been ‘inundated’ with calls connecting to the Booster which she says have resulted in 300 calls a day requesting the vaccine. During her interview, she mentions how this problem has caused a massive issue with patients but empathises that unfortunately December is the soonest appointment that they have. Emily continues to say that the surgeries are doing whatever they can to make these appointments more accessible as they have had ‘several clinics on throughout September October and November’ and will continue to do so.
With Covid cases on the rise, almost 1.3 million people in the UK are now having symptomatic COVID according to the ZOE Health Study. Although this is lower than the peak numbers last year, the population are still anxious about contracting the virus.
This has lead to patients now being concerned about their health with the waiting time being so long. Ella Naylor, a member of the public, stresses how she is scared of catching covid due to her working with people 24/7 as a flight attendant. After speaking with Doctor Lauren Smith she says “if they are worried about their health be safe and strict with your hygiene.” She also implied that mask wearing could be reintroduced for people who are worried as another form of safety implement, as well as the continuation of hand gel usage until their appointment.
Surgeries continue to book in patients with the time slots they have available and any cancellations will be filled immediately.
