ARI appointments system a shambles

SIR, – I have to take exception to the letter regarding missed NHS appointments.

I agree that missed appointments are a drain on the system. However before we go down the root of applying fines the system needs a total overhaul.

In the last year I have received multiple letters from the same department booking in, cancelling and reporting an appointment, all three letters sent from the same department on the same day in different envelopes.

I have received appointments with less than a week’s notice, sent second class mail and when I have tried to call and rearrange I have been disconnected on a number of occasions.

In one case I sent an email which was acknowledged but two days following the cancelled appointment I received another letter saying “because you missed your appointment” another has been arranged.

The whole appointments system at ARI is a disaster and no one wants to discuss or address the issue.

Tom McGivern. Brae Crescent, Mintlaw