Sir, Why does a missed doctor’s appointment cost money (report, August 24)?
Surely only if specialised equipment has been booked or an operation slot is lost, but even then the financial cost is small, although of course another patient may have to wait longer.
Most general practice and specialist clinics are overbooked, with inadequate time allocated for each patient, for discussion, for making records or just for thinking. A missing patient helps to even the balance.
Missed appointments actually save money; there is no need for a prescription or a sick note, an X-ray or a blood test. Missed appointments conserve resources.
Yours, etc,
T. S. MANN,
8 Mannofield,
Bearsden, Glasgow G61 4AY.
August 24.
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From Mr Ted Hailey
Sir, You report that missed appointments cost the NHS £162 million and GPs want to fine patients who don’t cancel their appointments.
I phoned the Royal Berkshire Hospital yesterday to cancel an appointment. I was told there was a queue and I was seventh in line. There was no way to leave a message and there was no e-mail address or fax number on my appointment letter.
After ten minutes I gave up and decided to post a letter, only to find that there was no address written anywhere on my appointment letter. I had to find the address on the internet.
Perhaps the NHS could make it easier to cancel an appointment.
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Yours faithfully,
TED HAILEY,
The Cedars,
Mill Lane, Reading RG31 7RS.
August 24.