HC Deb 09 February 2004 vol 417 cc1412-3W
Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce fines for patients who miss hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement. [153630]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 9 February 2004]: We have currently no plans to introduce fines for people who do not attend (DNA).

The Government established a national booking programme as part of their modernisation agenda. Giving patients the opportunity to choose the location, time and date of their hospital appointment will reduce the number of DNAs.

Forward to