Coronavirus: Surgery 'had 126,000 vaccine calls in a day'

People have been urged not to contact their GP for vaccinations

A GP surgery was "overwhelmed" when it received more than 126,000 calls in one day about Covid-19 vaccinations, health chiefs have revealed.

One patient tried ringing the practice in Stockton-on-Tees 300 times in the space of a morning, they said.

Other surgeries have also reported a "deluge" of similar calls.

NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group has warned the volume of calls prevents patients with urgent healthcare needs from getting through.

People are being reminded that GPs do not control vaccine supply or arrange appointments through the national booking system.

'Patient patient' plea

Dr Janet Walker, medical director at NHS Tees Valley CCG, said: "The number of calls practices are getting from people inquiring about the vaccine is absolutely overwhelming, with one practice receiving over 126,000 calls in one day.

"We are asking people again - please, please do not phone your practice about vaccinations.

"Responding to these calls is blocking phone lines and stopping the most vulnerable in our communities, who need urgent medical help, from getting through."

• When will it be my turn to be vaccinated?

• Why is the EU warning the UK over vaccines?

• How will we know Covid vaccines are safe?

She added: "Pressing the re-dial button on your phone will not help your call get through faster, but can block other calls from being received and create a backup within the surgery telephone systems- creating further delays."

Referring to the national booking system, Dr Walker said: "All appointments are updated daily in line with vaccine delivery, so please keep checking online if you are eligible for the vaccine and your preferred option is not available first time.

"For people who would rather be vaccinated by their local GP services, we ask that you please be a patient patient - when it is your turn to receive a vaccination, be assured you will be contacted directly."