GPs throughout Barnet are becoming increasingly frustrated with patients who fail to turn up for appointments.

Figures released by Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Health Authority last week show 20 per cent of patients some 42,482 people missed their appointments from April 2000 to March 2001.

The findings mark the launch of the annual Doctor Patient Partnership (DPP) 'Keep It Or Cancel It' campaign to highlight the impact of missed appointments in general practice and outpatient departments.

"It is very frustrating for doctors and patients if somebody neither cancels their appointment or arrives. It means there is a slot that could have been used by someone who may really need it," said Dr Philippa Curran, vice-chairwoman of the Barnet Local Medical Committee.

At the Longrove Surgery, in Union Street, Barnet, where Dr Curran works, around 100 patients every month do not attend appointments.

"It is the repeat offenders that we find extremely frustrating and the people that ask for appointments on the day that don't turn up. It doesn't directly cost us money but it does mean we are running an inefficient service," she said.

Waiting times for routine appointments range from one to three weeks across the borough. But the Government has set practices the target of reducing this to 48 hours.

"I think it is a huge challenge but is it really what patients want?" Dr Curran added. "There is a risk that people might take advantage of this for minor illnesses and therefore we need to look at how we can help people to manage those illnesses themselves."

Dr Simon Gibeon of the Heathfielde Medical Centre, in Hampstead Garden Suburb, said he believed more than half of GPs felt charging patients for appointments was the solution.

"If we were to charge patients it would mean there would be fewer missed appointments and fewer appointments made for frivolous reasons like minor coughs, colds and sore throats."

October 17, 2001 10:16

IAN LLOYD