Outpatients appointments reception at Noble's Hospital

The Department of Health is always working to reduce the number of missed hospital appointments. We are not only concerned by the financial impact when patients miss appointments, but also the impact that missed appointments are having on Noble's Hospital's ability to treat patients, use hospital staff time effectively and keep waiting lists to a minimum.

Missed appointments are often called 'did not attends' (DNAs) and in 2010/2011, the number of patients who 'did not attend' (DNA) Noble's Hospital outpatients department for their appointment was 8,420; of these 2,200 were for new patients. Each missed appointment cost Noble's Hospital approximately £150 and so last year, the total cost was over £1,263,000. More importantly, these DNAs prevented others from their first opportunity to see a specialist therefore increasing the existing waiting lists.

If you don't turn up for your appointment or cancel in good time, we have to reschedule the appointment, which results in you and other patients on the waiting list, waiting longer to be seen. We know that sometimes there are good reasons why you are not able to make your appointment, but it's important that you let us know if you are not able to attend, or no longer want your appointment as soon as possible.

Patients coming to the main Noble's Hospital building outpatient clinics (i.e. not those taking place in the Day Assessment and Treatment Unit or the Diabetes Centre) will need to:

• Check-in for their appointment at the new Outpatient Appointments Reception desk in the Main Foyer of the Hospital (Welcomers will be available at the old clinic reception desks to welcome and advise patients)
• Return to the Outpatient Appointments Reception desk after their appointment to either be discharged or arrange a follow-up appointment

Contact

For all enquiries about appointments, including cancellations and re-booking. Providing Noble's Hospital staff with your contact details will also help us contact you more quickly and efficiently.

If you are no longer able to attend your outpatient appointment at Noble's Hospital please give us as much notice as possible.

When you arrive at your next Noble's Hospital outpatient appointment, please check with staff that we hold an up to date record of your home address and telephone and if you have one, your mobile phone contact details.