SIR: Last Friday, January 16, we found ourselves having to call for an ambulance as I had suddenly developed severe, inexplicable chest pain. The two-man crew duly arrived and were splendid. They did all the appropriate checks on me but decided they should take me to the RHCH for further tests. En route I was appalled to discover that the ambulance teams were still awaiting their Covid vaccinations! To date, they had no idea when they would get them!

On my arrival to the assessment ward, very busy and under a lot of pressure, on speaking with the nursing team and a doctor most had just had their vaccination but one comment made was that hospital admin staff had been vaccinated ahead of the clinical staff!

For the ambulance crews, there is no excuse. They are key workers at the very coal face! On a daily basis they are going into homes, aside from attending the outcome of RTAs etc, not knowing what they are going to have to deal with, protected by just a face mask and gloves. No social distancing for them.

All the acute staff I came into contact with were very kind, patient and highly professional despite the pressures. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.

Rosemarie Hillman,

Downlands Way,

South Wonston