‘ Worrying’ no- shows for hospital dates

Thousands of patients are blocking Ayr Hospital’s appointments system – by failing to turn up for their date with a doctor.

A whopping ten per cent of outpatients have been no- shows during the last six months, the Post can reveal.

The figure, branded a “worrying statistic,” equates to some 2544 people between April and September. And another 5050 failed to appear for follow- up appointments, leaving the already strained system at breaking point.

Liz Moore, director of acute services at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: “Every year thousands of appointments are wasted when patients do not turn up.

“This increases costs, reduces the efficiency of our service and means that other patients who need to see a clinician miss out on the chance of an appointment slot and have to wait longer.”

Ayr MSP John Scott added: “This is a worrying statistic that so many appointments have been missed by patients failing to turn up at a time when GPs are struggling to get first appointments at our hospitals and is a matter of huge concern.

“Without question our NHS is almost being stretched to breaking point and appointments not taken up in this number means previous time has been wasted, and appointments broken, that others would happily have taken up.”

Patients have been urged to cancel appointments they cannot make or sign up for text reminders so they do not forget dates at the hospital.