The system error extended waiting times out to about 90 minutes on a rainy Tuesday and there was plenty of frustration, but not everyone was unhappy with some expressing praise and satisfaction for BHS staff working under difficult circumstances.

Congratulations to the Ballarat Health Services for the efficient, professional and courteous way in which they have administered the COVID 19 vaccination program at the Mercure.

Having received my 'jab' this week, the whole process took less than 45 minutes.

Well done to all the staff and I look forward to receiving my second shot.

John Meneely, Mt Clear.

The Ballarat Health Services team were awesome.

This is a huge operation.

I had an appointment for 10am.

In and out in an hour and a bit. No big deal.

Happy to have been a part of the initial wave to iron out the kinks.

Thank you

George Fong, Ballarat

On Monday I checked the Vaccine website for the Mercure Hub at approximately 4pm and it said there was a 15 minute wait.

I jumped in my car and drove down only to be informed it was a 3 hour wait.

I returned home and made a booking on the phone for 12.30 today.

That seemed to go smoothly except I did not receive my email confirmation.

So on Tuesday I front up for my 12.30 appointment and there is a massive queue (in the rain) and I am told there is 2 hour wait.

It seems the system was double booking people.

No differentiation was being made in the queue between those with a booking and walk-ins.

While in the line I phoned the local number (1300 226 020) I was given but got a recorded message saying they were busy and was disconnected.

So I tried the 1800 number but the operator was extremely difficult to communicate with and repeated spellings had to be corrected.

They offered me the time slot for which I was currently wanting!

Maria Cook

NB Although walk-in appointments are available at the Mercure, booking is recommended by calling 1800 675 398.