Lib Dems demand action on missed GP appointments (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems demand action on missed GP appointments

September 8, 2004 3:18 PM

GP appointments must be made to suit the patient rather than the system, the Liberal Democrats said today in response to a survey revealing that patients who miss doctors' appointments cost the Health Service at least £162 million a year.

According to the report from health education charity Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP) and the Institute of Healthcare Management almost nine million GP sessions and 4 million practice nurse appointments are missed annually in the UK. 67% of practices think that patients 'forget' their appointment and 26% think that patients 'feel better' so simply choose not to attend.

Liberal Democrats are backing a new publicity campaign in GP practices to 'Keep It or Cancel It' but are also calling for a more flexible approach by surgeries on appointment and opening times.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Health & Social Care for Adults, Councillor Meral Ece, said:

"Every missed appointment means patients wait longer at Islington's surgeries as well as wasting GPs' time and NHS resources. Patients need to be aware of the consequences of failing to keep or cancel their appointment for no good reason.

"Islington's PCT has been working hard to improve the availability of appointments for patients. But in the long run, there is a need for more flexibility particularly for patients who work."

Liberal Democrat councillor Bridget Fox, said:

"All too often appointments are booked to suit the system, not the patient.

"Surgeries need to be free to focus on the needs of their patients, not just chasing Government waiting targets. A more flexible system suited to modern needs should be a new priority for a modern NHS."