Failure to attend appointment policy

 

GP appointment? Don't need it? Cancel it!

We know people forget things, cancelling GP appointments being one of them. Remember to cancel your appointment if you don't need it.

 

How to Cancel an Appointment

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that your appointment can be offered to someone else.

If you are cancelling please telephone us on 0207 739 5497 as soon as possible, and at least 1 hour before your appointment time. This will enable us to offer your appointment to someone else.

Alternatively you can cancel your appointment online using Patient Access or The NHS App if you are signed up to the service.

Please remember that there may be a shortage of appointments and when you fail to attend you have prevented someone else from being seen in your place. 

Cancellations notified less than 1 hour before the appointment time will be recorded as failure to attend (DNA).

Repeated failure to attend booked appointments is a significant waste of NHS resources.

Missed Appointments

The Practice unfortunately experiences a large number of missed appointments each year. 

First DNA: You will receive either a text message (if we have your mobile number) or an initial letter to state that you have missed an appointment and the practice will be monitoring any further DNAs.

Second DNA: A letter will be sent to you after you have missed further appointments. This letter will explain the surgery policy and that if you DNA 3 or more appointments you may be deducted from the surgery list.

Final DNA: The matter will be brought to the attention of the Practice Manager and your registered GP to review possible removal from the practice list.

Missed GP appointments costing NHS millions