LONG queues have been seen outside city surgeries as the coronavirus vaccination programme goes into full swing.

People were seen waiting for vaccinations outside Haresfield Surgery in Newtown Road in Worcester as health bosses reveal thousands of people were vaccinated, including NHS workers and elderly and vulnerable residents, at the weekend.

A spokesman for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said: "Primary care colleagues across Worcestershire are doing fantastic work in delivering the vaccination programme so far.

"We’d like to remind patients booked in for their vaccination not to arrive early for their appointment, but to make sure they attend at their designated time to avoid having to wait.

"Those patients not yet booked are also reminded not to contact their practice to request an appointment – they will be contacted when it’s their turn, in accordance with the national policy for priority groups outlined by the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisation."

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, tweeted at the weekend: "Phenomenal operation underway to vaccinate thousands of health & care staff across #Worcestershire this week & weekend through hospital hub & GP practices."

Sarah Dugan, chief executive of Hereford and Worcestershire Health and Care Trust also tweeted: "It is hard to put into words how fantastic Team H&W NHS have been this weekend vaccinating 1000s of health & care staff & vulnerable people. Huge thank you to all our PCNs, and all at @HWHCT_NHS @HW_CCG @WFHPartnership @WorcsAcuteNHS @WyeValleyNHS @TaurusHealthUK @worcscc."