NHS BOSSES have launched a major drive to reduce hundreds of thousands of missed hospital appointments every month, to help boost the recovery of elective services.
Hospitals such as the Worcestershire Royal and the Alex have been asked to ensure they are sending timely appointment reminders, improving processes for cancelling or rebooking, and considering remote appointments where appropriate.
Trusts are also asked to consider implementing short notice lists, to contact patients last minute to help fill slots other patients cancel.
Of the 122 million appointments booked nationally last year (2021/22), around 6.4 per cent were missed – around 7.8 million appointments a year and around 650,000 a month.
Every appointment freed up could be used to see other patients, including those who have been waiting the longest for an appointment or treatment.
Around four in five people on an NHS waiting list are waiting for an outpatient appointment which includes things like physio, dermatology, and minor procedures such as cataract surgery. Over three in five of outpatient appointments are follow-ups.
Dr Jess Sokolov, Regional Medical Director at NHS England in the Midlands, said: “We want to make the best use of every available slot we have – and that means more use of short notice lists, so patients who are willing to be ‘on standby’ can be ready to fill any empty appointment.
“With around one in 15 appointments missed it is important where possible, patients let hospitals know as far in advance if they think they aren’t able to attend.”
