10,000 Miss Health Appointments Each Week

Almost 10,000 people fail to turn up to an appointment with their GP or nurse each week.

The figures are based on a survey conducted by GP practices last year. It was revealed that more than 5,000 people failed to turn up for a GP appointment, while some 4,500 didn't turn up to an appointment with a nurse.

The statistics have been released by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) as it launches its 'Choose Well' campaign. The initiative encourages individuals to think carefully about how they use health and social care services this winter.

The campaign highlights the range of services available for people, from self-care, to the Emergency Department and calling 99 in the event of an emergency. It also encourages the public to choose the most appropriate option, so they can get better, quicker.

The campaign will include three new radio adverts focussing on self-care, emergency departments and mental health, as well as television, outdoor and newspaper advertising. The advertising will go live from tomorrow (18 December) and will run until the end of March 2015.

Dr Ian Clements, Chair of the HSCB and former GP, encouraged the public to "think where and choose well".

He added: "'Choose Well' is about informing and empowering people to make the right decisions about which health and social care services to use.

"The majority of people use services appropriately, however, there are a number of people, for a variety of reasons who don't. For example, as demonstrated by the statistics released today, clearly, booking an appointment with a GP or nurse and then not turning up is a waste of resources and takes that slot away from someone who really needs it.

"I know a lot of work is ongoing to address this issue but we need the public's continued support. It is essential that at a time of increasing pressure on urgent care services and decreasing budgets, we prioritise our use of resources to deal with urgent and emergency cases."

Health Minister Jim Wells added: "'Choose Well' is about enabling staff in our emergency services to focus on the people who are the most sick and injured this winter.

"It's about making it clear to the public that emergency and 999 services are for life threatening and serious conditions. Many minor healthcare issues can be dealt with at home or by seeking the advice of a pharmacist.

"Before you dial 999 or go to your local Emergency Department, think about your options. I don't want to discourage those with a genuine medical emergency from calling 999, but simply ask that they 'Choose Well' and consider the range of other more appropriate services available."

Commenting on the campaign, BMA Northern Ireland Council Chair Dr John D. Woods, commented: "It is vital that we all choose the appropriate service for our healthcare needs, particularly during the winter months when demand for GP and Out-of-hours services is higher.

"It is also crucial that people keep any appointments they have made or inform the practice if they no longer need to see a doctor so that others can benefit.

"Many common ailments can also be treated effectively through self-care or by a pharmacist, however those with serious concerns about their health should of course always consult their GP or an Out-of-hours service.

"Choosing well means that stretched services are more readily available for those in more serious need and will ensure the system is better able to serve us all more efficiently."

(JP/MH)