A KELTY woman seeking information about getting a flu jab was given three alternative venues with the closest being Lochgelly.

MSP Alex Rowley has had a number of constituents airing their concern about apparently not being able to get flu jabs at their local health centre.

The member for Mid Scotland Fife has written to the NHS Fife Chief Executive, Carol Potter, on the issue and she has said that there has been a massive response to the letters sent out.

In a letter to Ms Potter Alex Rowley said: "I am writing to raise my concern that thousands of older people are experiencing major worries created by the letters they have received from NHS Fife about the flu vaccine. This letter gives one phone number to call to arrange an appointment for the vaccine. When people call the number they are either cut off or told by a message to try again later.

"I note that you have apologised to the people of Fife, but this must be addressed as soon as possible. It is a complete failure of management that is causing widespread worry for older people across the county.

"I also note that you have said there are 90 vaccine clinics that have been established. However, the chaotic way that NHS Fife is managing this process is resulting in elderly people with disabilities and underlying health conditions being told they have to travel miles to get the vaccine.

"For example, one lady from Kelty told me she was offered a vaccine at Lochgelly. This would have involved getting two buses and travelling for hours. Alternatively, she was offered Dunfermline, which meant one bus journey and then a significant walk. A third option was Glenrothes which was even more problematic to get to.

"Given the first priority is elderly people, often with underlying health conditions, I find it incredible that they are being asked to make their way around Fife to get a flu vaccine. For many, who don’t have access to cars or money, they have to use public transport and are therefore being put at risk from COVID-19 when they don’t need to be."

Ms Potter said: "We have seen an unprecedented response from those looking to arrange their annual flu jab and while this is encouraging we are aware that many people have experienced difficulties getting through to the dedicated line.

"We are very sorry that our systems and processes have not been adequate and effective enough to deal with the demand and we are taking steps to rectify this. We appreciate this has caused understandable anxiety for some members of the public and would like to offer our sincere apologies.

"Please be assured there is no shortage of appointments. All of those eligible to receive their flu jab will have the opportunity to do so ahead of the flu season."

This is an incredible failure that must be addressed with immediate priority and I would ask that you advise how NHS Fife are doing so.