NHS loses £350 million in just 6 MONTHS because millions of patients are not turning up to their appointments
- Nearly 2.9 million people did not show up between January and June
- The average outpatient appointment costs the NHS £120, data shows
- Health leaders slammed the figures, which come from NHS England
- British Medical Association said it is crucial appointments are not wasted
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The NHS has lost almost £350 million this year because millions of patients have failed to turn up to their appointments, figures have shown.
Nearly 2.9 million people did not show up for outpatient appointments, or arrived too late to be seen, between January and June.
The average outpatient appointment costs the NHS £120, according to the latest resources cost data.
Health leaders today slammed the figures, which comes as the NHS struggles for funds amid budget cuts and increased demand.
The British Medical Association said it was crucial appointments were not wasted while the health service was ‘under incredible stress’.
Nearly 2.9 million people did not show up for outpatient appointments, or arrived too late to be seen, between January and June
And the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, said the excuses for missed appointments are ‘running out’.
NHS England figures showed that out of the 33.6 million outpatient appointments, 8.6 per cent of patients did not show up.
The figures show 934,123 people failed to make their first appointment, while 1.96 million did not appear for a subsequent meeting.
Patients who used the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, in Harrow, were the worst at showing up to appointments.
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However, at the other end of the scale, patients in Cambridge were the most reliable.
Dr Robert Harwood, chairman of the BMA’s consultant committee, said: ‘It is important no appointments are wasted at a time when the NHS is under incredible stress.
‘We should not stigmatise patients who may for legitimate reasons be unable to attend.
JUST HOW STRETCHED IS THE NHS?
Waiting times at over-stretched A&E units are at their worst level since records began, according to official figures in April 2018.
Experts said the NHS was in the grip of an ‘eternal winter’ and many hospitals are still struggling to cope with the unprecedented pressure.
Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt was forced to admit it was the ‘worst winter ever’ amid a severe outbreak of flu and cold weather.
Chiefs cancelled thousands of operations in a controversial move to ease pressure. And experts have suggested this may be the only option to stop a crisis next year.
The latest monthly data from NHS England also shows that waiting times for routine operations, such as knee and hip replacements, are at their highest since 2004.
And violent assaults on staff have risen by 10 per cent in a year – partly driven by frustration with waiting times.
‘However, we do need the NHS to emphasise through clear publicity to the public that given the current unprecedented pressure, patients should make every possible effort to rearrange their appointment so that another person is able to receive treatment in their place.’
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: ‘The NHS is short of funding, short of staff and faces ever rising demand for its services.
‘With modern communication, the excuses for missed appointments are running out.
‘There will always be some unforeseen circumstances but in most circumstances, it should be possible to cancel appointments.
‘Our members across the NHS are doing their bit – many hospitals and other services send out email and text reminders, and increasingly patients can check, book and cancel appointments online.’
Mr Dickson explained doctors were using smartphones and tablets to communicate with patients to avoid missed appointments.
And he said they were also conducting consultations over Skype where physical examinations were not necessary.
He added: ‘We would all acknowledge that the NHS can do more and using technology better will make life easier both for patients and the service.
‘But patients can also do their bit – making the NHS as efficient as it can be, is in everyone’s interest.’
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