Patients missing their appointments cost the NHS £1bn last year

The money wasted could have funded 1m more cataract operations or 250,000 hip replacements, says chief nursing officer

As the NHS struggles with budget cuts, soaring demand and staff shortages, almost £1bn is being wasted annually by patients missing appointments, figures reveal.

In response, England’s chief nurse has urged patients to cancel their NHS appointments in good time if they are not able to attend, in order to free up resources for those who need them.

Related: Could shared medical appointments help the NHS and patients?

Continue reading... January 02, 2018 at 06:23AM