§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of patients fail to keep out-patient appointments in each of the five years. [7617]
§ Mr. HuttonIn 2000–01, 11.4 per cent. of patients failed to keep their first out-patient appointments in England. We are tackling this by introducing booking systems throughout the national health service. By the end of 2005 all out-patient appointments and elective hospital admissions will be pre-booked, with patients agreeing the date (and time) for out-patient appointments in advance. Booking systems have been proved to reduce missed appointments significantly.