Editor, I find Pam Rendall’s article totally misguided and inaccurate. “I would like to inform every one how useless the Portuguese Health Service is” “Please inform all the other expats of the problem” How somebody can make these comments based on what would seem to be soley based on her failed efforts to move up the vaccination queue.

I have been in the Portuguese Health Service for over 25 years and have had major surgery, long term cancer treatment and other ailments.The service has been first class and the care from doctors and nurses has been of the highest standard. I would not have wished to be treated in any other health system. Things do go wrong. Only last month I made an appointment at local health centre to see the doctor to obtain a medical certificate for driving licence renewal. I also had to wait outside for a considerable time with other people and when I did get to reception I was told I would have to go to Estombar. I had dificulty with that answer but was told that was where I was now registered and to take it up with main center. At the main center again a long wait outside . I explained the situation and the person retuned in about five minutes . She stated that they were moving somebody and my heath number had been keyed in by mistake but she had rectified the situation and telephoned my center explaining what had happened.

I occasionally look at my page on the NHS site and the details are very comprehensive but only relate to what was done in Portugal. Why one would employ a lawyer for a simple operation can only be explained by the awful stress that this virus has caused to us all. I looked on the vaccine as a necessary requirement for peace of mind and orignally the NHS site that gives you an estimate of when you will receive the vaccine came up with Feb, March. When the over 80’s were prioritised at end of Jan. I found it was now March April which was a bit of a downer as I am in the over 80 category. However 25 February. I received a telephone call that the vaccine would be done tomorrow at main centre and I duly had the Pfizer vaccine and a date for the second dose. If Pam Randall is vulnerable I feel sure her turn will soon come.

James Scarfe,
By email