People turned away from Covid vaccine centre amid 'chaotic' scenes

A vaccination centre has been forced to turn people away amid reports of “massive” queues and “chaotic” scenes inside.

Staff at the Leith Community Treatment Centre in Edinburgh refused entry to at least ten people on Monday, citing a surge in people seeking jabs following the introduction of the vaccine passport scheme.

Revellers will now need to show proof they have had two coronavirus vaccines to enter nightclubs, gigs and other large events.

NHS Lothian has said that high turnout for multiple programmes – including jabs for teenagers, third doses for the clinically vulnerable and flu shots for the elderly – were behind the increased pressure on services.

A 23-year-old, speaking on condition of anonymity, told how she was turned away on Monday and faced massive queues when she returned on Tuesday to get her second jab.

She said she and several others could not be seen by clinicians due to the sheer number of people already inside – despite the fact that the centre was scheduled to be open for another 45 minutes.

The woman said: “I was told to try again the next morning.

“But to make sure I arrived sooner rather than later because it would probably get busier as the day went on.

“A huge queue – and this time it was pouring rain. I couldn’t believe it.

“I just waited in it as I didn’t want to have to come back, but I saw several people leaving after queuing for a while because they couldn’t afford to wait any longer.”

After waiting for more than an hour, she received her second jag in what she described as a “stressful” and “chaotic” atmosphere.

She added: “It was so different to my first jab – that was quick and simple.

“This one was horrible, the whole thing was chaos.

“When I finally got inside I was moved several times while waiting, and then again at least three times during the ten minute period they ask you to stay for after your jag.

“It was like musical chairs.

“Nobody knew where to sit or stand, and one girl was shouted at by one of the staff for being in the way and not listening to their colleague.”

A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “It’s really positive that so many people are turning out to get their vaccinations, helping to protect themselves and one another from the Covid virus.

“This is a complex vaccination programme and we’re offering appointments as well as drop-in sessions. We would urge anyone with an appointment to stick to the allotted time to minimise queuing.

“We’ll also soon be extending vaccination centre opening hours to minimise queues.”