MISSED appointments are not helping the rising demand on GP surgeries, according to Dr Buk Dhadda.
The GP with Gresleydale Health Centre, in Swadlincote, said: "Most practices could make more appointments available if they knew in good time that a patient was unable to attend.
"A recent survey showed that Derby GP practices could have seen at least 4,300 more patients between 2013 and 2014 if they had not been waiting for people who failed to keep appointments.
"If patients can't keep their appointment, all they have to do is call the surgery as soon as possible or pop in and see the receptionist if they're passing.
"In addition, many surgeries now have an online option for patients needing to cancel an appointment – although this normally has to happen more than 24 hours in advance. Just search for your practice online or ask the receptionist for details."
