Introduction to ‘Did not Attend’ appointments

 ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) is when the patient does not turn up for an appointment and does not contact the practice in advance to cancel/change appointment. Many valuable appointment slots are missed every month.

The statistics for 2024 so far, can be found here: 2024 DNA statistics

You can also view the amount of wasted appointments throughout 2023 here: 2023 DNA statistics

The affect of these are:

• An increase in the waiting time for appointments
• Frustration for both staff and patients
• A waste of resources
• A potential risk to the health of the patient

Our Objectives

• To free up appointments for those who genuinely need them
• To reduce the waste of clinical time
• To reduce the pressure on all staff in being able to offer prompt appointments

Woodseats Medical Centre is committed to ensuring that the best possible service is provided to all patients registered with the practice.

Consistent application of the DNA policy by all practice staff (clinical and non-clinical) plays an important role in encouraging patients to assist in ensuring that clinics are managed as efficiently as possible. Practice staff will code DNA’s using the agreed read codes.

A monthly search is performed to identify patients who have not turned up for GP appointments that month and the information is collated and published.

If a patient fails to attend an appointment  on more than two occasions in a 6 month period, they will receive an informal warning letter advising them how to cancel or change their appointment if needed. If the patient fails to attend another pre-booked GP appointment within 6 months of receiving the informal letter, a formal warning letter will be sent reminding them that a further recurrence may result in them being removed from the practice list.