In a system where waiting times are a serious problem, many are still missing their appointments:

Patients miss about 10m GP appointments and 5m practice nurse appointments each year, a survey suggests.

The Developing Patient Partnerships survey suggests the missed GP appointments alone cost the NHS �180m.

The GPs questioned said forgetfulness was the main cause and 70% said they would consider removing persistent offenders from their lists.

Two-thirds of the 683 surgeries surveyed said patients should be charged for missing an appointment.

Most doctors who responded to the survey said missed appointments increased waiting times, wasted NHS money and resources and harmed GPs' ability to meet primary care targets.

("Patients 'miss 15m appointments'", BBC, Aug.24)