Regarding the story about missed appointments continuing to affect GPs across the island, I sent an email to Primary Care Services at the Isle of Man Government, which is detailed below:-
I am most alarmed at the continuing situation and I cannot understand in this technological age why people cannot cancel their appointments in advance.
Could the government consider imposing a fixed penalty on those who do not attend without a valid reason?
This could be enacted as an additional sum appearing on the individual’s Income Tax Return so services would not need to waste time collecting the penalties.
If implemented this action would also provide a bit of extra revenue for the government.
People need to start taking responsibility and showing consideration for others that may be affected by their action (or inaction).
I received a nice reply as follows:-
Thank you for your communication and suggestions regarding missed appointments at GP practices on the island.
It is unfortunate that there are so many missed appointments even though patients may cancel appointments in advance either by telephoning, emailing or calling into the practice to do this.
There are currently no plans to charge for appointments that are not attended.
However, we hope that advertising the amount of missed appointments and that it may have an impact on others being able to make appointments, will encourage patients to cancel their appointments if they need to.
Les Austin
Springfield Court
Onchan
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This letter was first published in the Manx Independent of March 2.