Frontline workers in Edinburgh have expressed frustration at being unable to book a slot for the coronavirus vaccine.
The Western General Hospital is one of 23 centres where priority groups will be vaccinated against coronavirus.
Those giving the vaccination to others will receive the injection first followed by those aged over 80, and health and social care workers.
However, two frontline workers have told Edinburgh Live of their frustration at being unable to book an appointment using the number they had been given to call.
One frontline worker, who works in a hospital in Edinburgh, explained that they had tried to book a vaccine appointment over the phone at 9:30am but "couldn't get through".
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, one healthcare worker said: "It's absolutely ridiculous. We can't get through on the number provided to book a slot."
They added that they believe the number has been given to too many people, or has been passed on, after being told that canteen workers had secured an appointment, explaining that those who need the vaccine most are unable to get it.
A statement from NHS Lothian said: “We know there have been problems with the new dedicated appointment booking line.
“The phone line has experienced exceptionally high demand since it was introduced last week and while thousands of appointments have been made, we know there are staff who have struggled to get through to an advisor and waited too long on hold.
“We will be making arrangements to reimburse those staff who incurred charges and moving to a free phone number.
“We apologise to our staff who have been affected and aim to have these issues fixed as soon as possible.”
