STOP PRESS

Failing to turn up for an appointment “DNA”

A DNA is someone who Did Not Attend an appointment at the surgery and did not tell us beforehand.
DNAs are a serious problem for the NHS and in this practice, on average, 77 patients DNA appointments each month, that’s 926 each year (the equivalent of 13 hours wasted per month). Not only is this a waste of valuable resources, it also means the number of appointments available for patients is reduced by each DNA that occurs.
In 2019 we lost 87 hours of clinical time and we cannot allow this trend to continue.
Due to an increase in the number of wasted appointments through patients failing to attend without informing the practice and without good reason for doing so (despite being reminded by text messages in most cases) the following steps will regrettably be taken:
• Patients who DNA for a blood test may be asked to go to Basildon Hospital instead of the surgery
• Patients who DNA 3 appointments will be asked to find an alternative doctor.
We have an increasing demand for appointments and cannot afford for any to be wasted.
Thank you for your co-operation