200 no-shows a month at doctors’ surgery
The shocking figure highlights the amount of wastage that is impacting our NHS services, with the doctors urging people to call and cancel so that appointments can be offered to others.
“Patients not attending for their appointment and not cancelling their appointment in advance, is a persistent challenge for Welshpool Medical Practice,” a spokesperson said.
“Over a period of six months an average of 197 clinical appointments each month were wasted, as the expected patient booked into our system did not attend and did not let us know that they were not coming.
“High patient did-not-attend rates waste valuable resources that are being provided locally; increase waiting times for other patients who are desperate to have an appointment and place an unnecessary strain on other areas of the National Health Service.”
The practice said that they understand that some are simply forgotten about or an emergency crops up, but they highlighted that prior to all appointments, a text message reminder at a cost to the Practice is sent.
They have issued the following options when the message is sent and you cannot attend:
- On receiving the automated appointment reminder, press cancel if you do not want your Doctor, Nurse or Health Care Assistant appointment any more
- Go onto our website and cancel your appointment
- Ring into the practice and cancel your appointment
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