Failing to turn up for an appointment – DON’T BE A DNA

A DNA is someone who DID NOT ATTEND an appointment at the surgery and did not tell us beforehand so we could cancel the appointment and offer it to another patient.

DNAs are a serious problem for the NHS. Research shows that across the UK around 13 million GP appointments and 6 million practice nurse appointments are missed each year.

Patients failing to attend appointments is a huge and avoidable waste of valuable GP and Nurse appointments.  At Donnington Medical Partnership, on average, we have around 250 DNA appointments each month. That’s 3000 appointments wasted each year.

The effect of DNAs is:

• 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

Please help us to avoid this by cancelling your appointment in good time (preferably 24 hours ahead) so that we may offer your appointment to another patient who needs it.

You can cancel your appointment in the following ways:

• by replying CANCEL to your appointment reminder text. Please ensure we have the correct contact details for you. 

• by phoning 01865 771313

• by emailing reception on bobicb-ox.reception.dhc@nhs.net (Please include you full name and date of birth)

Thank you for your cooperation