Did Not Attend Policy

A significant number of appointments per week are classified as ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA).

DNA means that a patient did not turn up for the appointment and did not contact the surgery in advance to cancel/change the appointment.

The effect of DNAs is:

  • An increase in the waiting time for appointments
  • Frustration for both staff and patients
  • A waste of resources
  • It will delay your care and could impact on your health
  • Uses up an appointment slot that another patient could’ve used therefore delaying the care of others

If you do not attend your appointment:

  • Your care will be delayed and your next appointment may be several weeks in the future
  • Your supply of medication will be reviewed and you may not be given your normal supply until you attend your next appointment

If you repeatedly fail to attend your appointments:

  • You may be removed from and asked to register elsewhere