Did not attend (DNA) policy
What a DNA is
A DNA appointment is when a patient does not turn up for appointments, and does not contact the surgery to cancel or change the appointment.
This creates a significant strain on the NHS.
We understand that there are situations that can make it impossible for you to cancel your appointment, for example being admitted to hospital.
Our DNA policy
1. If a patient fails to attend a pre-booked appointment on six (6) occasions in the space of 12 months, an informal warning letter will be sent to the patient, advising the patient that further occurences could risk removal from the practice list.
2. If the patient fails to attend further appointments after receiving the initial warning letter, a formal warning letter will be sent.
3. If the patient continues to fail to attend further appointments despite receiving the informal and formal warning letter, the matter will be discussed at the practice leadership meeting and a majority agreement will be reached as to whether the patient will be removed from the practice list. In this case a formal letter will be issued to the patient advising them of the decision to remove.
Warning letters last 12 months.
Cancelling appointments
To avoid DNA appointments, you can use the NHS app or online services to cancel your appointments.
You can also get a text reminder of your appointment, and you can reply to this to cancel if necessary. Please make sure we have the right mobile number for you.
Contact us
If you would like to discuss DNAs, please contact the surgery.