YOUR APPOINTMENT MATTERS

Understanding the Impact of Missed Appointments on the NHS

Why Attending or Cancelling Your Appointment Is Important

Each year, thousands of GP and nurse appointments are missed without notice. This not only affects your care but also impacts other patients and the NHS as a whole.

📊 Did You Know?

• Over 15 million GP appointments are missed every year in the UK.
• Each missed appointment costs the NHS around £30–£40.
• That adds up to nearly £600 million annually ~ enough to fund: Thousands of extra nurses and doctors, millions of prescriptions, more community health services.

💥 What Happens When You Miss an Appointment?

• Wasted Time: GPs and staff prepare for each appointment in advance.
• Longer Waits: Missed slots could be used by other patients in need.
• System Strain: It puts additional pressure on already stretched NHS services.

✅ What Can You Do?

• Can’t attend? Let us know as soon as possible!
• Cancel online via the Digital Front Door on our practice website: southparksurgery@nhs.uk or via the NHS App ~ this is fast and easy.
• Set reminders on your phone or calendar so you don’t forget.

🫶 Together We Can Help the NHS

When you attend or cancel your appointment, you help:
✔️ Ensure others can access care when they need it
✔️ Keep services running efficiently
✔️ Save valuable NHS resources

Help us to help you ~ Play your part in supporting the NHS ~ Thank you.