Patients who miss GP appointments are costing NHS England £216 million annually, officials have revealed. Data shows more than 15 million consultations are wasted each year due to patients failing to show up.
NHS England has urged patients to cancel appointments they cannot attend, freeing doctors, nurses, and other professionals to see those in need. The British Medical Association (BMA) also called on patients to 'play their part' in helping the NHS cope with rising demand.
The cost is based on an average appointment cost of £30. NHS England noted that this sum could fund the annual salaries of 2,325 full-time GPs, or pay for 58,000 hip operations or 220,000 cataract operations. However, the notional cost may not reflect the true financial impact, as surgeries can overbook to compensate for missed appointments.
Dr Nikki Kanani, acting director of primary care for NHS England and a GP in south-east London, said: 'When a patient misses an appointment, my first instinct is to worry. I worry why that person has missed that appointment but then I can't use that time for somebody else.' She encouraged patients to use online systems to manage appointments.
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, added: 'There may be many reasons why a patient might miss an appointment... but we would urge patients to let us know if they can't attend as soon as possible.' Dr Richard Vautrey, BMA GP committee chairman, stressed that 'every appointment at a GP practice is precious' and that patients must do their part.
