In 2016 we lost 1146 GP appointments through patients not turning up or not cancelling their GP appointment. On average this works out to be 96 patients per month who we could have seen.
So far in 2017 (January - June) we have lost 556 GP appointments through patients not turning up or not cancelling their GP appointment. On average this works out to be 93 patients per month who we could have seen.
We realise that getting to see a clinician in a timely manner is important to our patients. We want you to be happy with the availability we offer. To this end we have appointments with GPs that can be booked (via reception or online) 4 weeks ahead of time, 2 days ahead of time or on the day. Most days we also have a Rapid Access Nurse, please click here for more details on this service. If we have run out of appointments and you feel you need to be seen we also offer telephone consultations with a GP who will telephone you to discuss your health concerns and will add you on to their surgery if need be.
However, it would be very much appreciated if you make an appointment that you no longer need that you tell us as soon as possible, even if you tell us on the same day we may still be able to offer your appointment to someone else. If you have missed an appointment because you forgot it was booked why not sign-up to our text message reminders service? Please find out more by clicking here.
Lost appointments mean longer waiting times for patients to see a GP and lost Nurse appointments means a reduction in the number of appointments available for rapid access services and less availablility for patients to be seen for routine review of their long term condition(s).