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'No shows' costs the NHS millions 'No shows' costs the NHS millions
(about 2 hours later)
Patients who fail to keep hospital appointments cost the NHS more than £600 million a year, enough to run two medium-size hospitals, data has shown.Patients who fail to keep hospital appointments cost the NHS more than £600 million a year, enough to run two medium-size hospitals, data has shown.
Between 2007 and 2008, 6.5 million appointments were missed in the UK, with hospitals losing around £100 per patient in revenue.Between 2007 and 2008, 6.5 million appointments were missed in the UK, with hospitals losing around £100 per patient in revenue.
The Patients Association said missing an appointment was "unforgivable".The Patients Association said missing an appointment was "unforgivable".
The Department of Health in England says initiatives such as text message reminders are being rolled out.The Department of Health in England says initiatives such as text message reminders are being rolled out.
But Unison said patients were not always to blame as check-ups are often arranged months in advance and easily forgotten.But Unison said patients were not always to blame as check-ups are often arranged months in advance and easily forgotten.
The public service trade union said primary care trusts should find ways of reminding patients of their appointments, which could include text or e-mail alerts.The public service trade union said primary care trusts should find ways of reminding patients of their appointments, which could include text or e-mail alerts.
Some are already doing this.Some are already doing this.
'Did Not Attend's''Did Not Attend's'
Young men in their early 20s are the worst offenders and people aged 70 to 74 are the most conscientious about keeping an appointment, the figures show.Young men in their early 20s are the worst offenders and people aged 70 to 74 are the most conscientious about keeping an appointment, the figures show.
There has been a slight improvement in attendance over the last few years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.There has been a slight improvement in attendance over the last few years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, however, the figure is higher than in recent years.In Scotland, however, the figure is higher than in recent years.
Some clinics in the UK are now over-booking patients in anticipation of no shows.Some clinics in the UK are now over-booking patients in anticipation of no shows.
It doesn't take much to lift a phone and say that you have recovered or to apologise because you will have to miss an appointment Michael Summers,Vice-chair of the Patients AssociationIt doesn't take much to lift a phone and say that you have recovered or to apologise because you will have to miss an appointment Michael Summers,Vice-chair of the Patients Association
But Karen Jennings, Unison's head of health, warned: "Hospitals who go down the route of over-booking, based on previous experience of missed appointments, must ensure that it doesn't disadvantage patients if there is a 100% turn-out."But Karen Jennings, Unison's head of health, warned: "Hospitals who go down the route of over-booking, based on previous experience of missed appointments, must ensure that it doesn't disadvantage patients if there is a 100% turn-out."
Michael Summers, vice-chair of the Patients Association, said: "It's unforgivable really.Michael Summers, vice-chair of the Patients Association, said: "It's unforgivable really.
"It doesn't take much to lift a phone and say that you have recovered or to apologise because you will have to miss an appointment."It doesn't take much to lift a phone and say that you have recovered or to apologise because you will have to miss an appointment.
"We owe a responsibility to our doctors to behave properly. Missed appointments waste healthcare professionals' time and a great deal of money.""We owe a responsibility to our doctors to behave properly. Missed appointments waste healthcare professionals' time and a great deal of money."
Simon Jones: 'Worst offenders are young men'Simon Jones: 'Worst offenders are young men'
A Department of Health spokesman said successful initiatives, such as text messages to remind patients, were on the rise.A Department of Health spokesman said successful initiatives, such as text messages to remind patients, were on the rise.
He said the choose and book, which allows patients to select a chosen time, date and place for an appointment at their own convenience, was also helping reduce the number of missed appointments.He said the choose and book, which allows patients to select a chosen time, date and place for an appointment at their own convenience, was also helping reduce the number of missed appointments.
He added: "The NHS Constitution gives patients the right to access NHS services, but patients have responsibilities too - it is important to keep appointments, or cancel within reasonable time.He added: "The NHS Constitution gives patients the right to access NHS services, but patients have responsibilities too - it is important to keep appointments, or cancel within reasonable time.
"Otherwise, receiving treatment within the maximum waiting times may be compromised.""Otherwise, receiving treatment within the maximum waiting times may be compromised."
What is your reaction to this story? Have you ever missed a hospital appointment? What more can be done to reduce missed appointments? Do you agree with "overbooking"?
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