News / Almost 800 appointments lost due to people not attending
PEOPLE not attending dental or any other health appointment are putting further pressure on already overstretched services, NHS Shetland warned on Thursday.
Last year a total 785 appointments at the Montfield dental clinic were lost due to patients not attending.
A spokeswoman for the health board said that a total of 361 hours and 25 minutes of valuable clinical time was lost at the Burgh Road site alone.
During this time, a dentist could have carried out 1084 check-ups, 722 fillings or 361 root canal treatments.
The spokeswoman said: “DNAs (did not attend) are a serious problem for the NHS across the whole country.
“For services where demand outstrips availability, people that DNA are stopping someone else from accessing the service. Not only is it wasteful of clinical time, it is also a waste of valuable administrative resources.”
She added: “If you have an appointment for any health or care service and cannot attend for whatever reason, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reallocate the time.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
