Hospital outpatients could get one-hour's notice to fill cancelled appointments

28 January 2023 , 20:32

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Outpatients living near hospitals could be offered short-notice appointments to fill cancelled spots (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Hospital outpatients could get as little as an hour’s notice to fill a last minute cancelled appointment.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has asked NHS trusts to trial short notice lists for patients who live near hospitals and are able to drop everything. It is part of a major drive to cut 660,000 missed appointments each month.

Hospitals have been told to send appointment reminders in good time, beef up booking processes and use video links for consultations when possible.

Of 122million annual appointments, one in 15 patients cancel.

NHS Elective Recovery director Sir James Mackey said: “This drive has the potential to make a huge difference. Short notice lists mean patients on standby can be ready to fill any empty appointment.”

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Health Secretary Steve Barclay says the trial will help tackle the large number of cancelled appointments (PA)

Mr Barclay said: “This will reduce no-shows, fill last-minute cancellations and make it easier for patients to be assessed from the comfort of their home.”

He spoke as Healthwatch England warned one in 10 patients will not go to appointments because of travel costs.

Nigel Nelson