PATIENTS under the Barrow and Millom Primary Care Network (PCN) are being urged to do their bit to "get us out of this pandemic" after a number of people failed to turn up to their vaccination appointment.

As well as the appointment no-shows, the PCN said that they have noticed a reduction in those wishing to take up the vaccine.

They said: "Let's all do our bit to get us out of this pandemic. Please have your vaccinations when called for. As we go down the cohorts, we are noticing less people booking for the vaccinations and also more people not turning up to the clinics.

"For next week, we have 800 Pfizer appointments and 400 AZ appointments not booked in Barrow.

"This is for both first doses and second doses for all who had a first dose up to March 18, 2021.

"This is in spite of data telling us that there are nearly 4,000 people that still have still not had a vaccine in Barrow.

"Please ask your family and friends to have their vaccinations when called for. We can do this together."

The network spoke about the effects of missed appointments, leading to long working hours for clinicians who 'scramble' to find patients willing to attend a last minute appointment so the vaccine does not go to waste.

They said: "We had nearly 50 people not turning up to a booked clinic of 500 people on Wednesday.

"This causes a lot of issues, with clinicians scrambling around trying to call down that many people at the last minute, off reserve lists, and working up to quite late at night."

Dr Sarah Arun, local GP and Clinical Director of Barrow and Millom Primary Care Network, is asking patients to cancel their appointment if they're unable to attend. She said: “The best way to stop the spread of Covid-19 is to follow the guidelines and this includes getting vaccinated when you’re invited to do so. If everyone plays their part by continuing to follow the health advice issued, we can help to break the chain of transmission and protect our loved ones.

"If you’re no longer able to attend your Covid-19 vaccination appointment please ensure you cancel it, so someone else is able to use that appointment time. To cancel your appointment, simply go back on the link you were sent in your text invite. Together we can do this.”