Why have a DNA policy?
A significant number of appointments per week are classified as ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA).
DNA means that the patient does not turn up for the appointment and does not contact the surgery in advance to cancel/change appointment.We realise that patients sometimes do genuinely forgot to attend for appointments and in these instances we would suggest that you telephone the surgery a reasonable time after the event to apologise and this will prevent a DNA being recorded.
The effect of DNAs is:
- An increase in the waiting time for appointments
- Frustration for both staff and patients
- A waste of resources
By reducing the number of DNAs this allows:
- More effective booking
- Efficient running of clinics
If a patient continues to DNA multiple pre-booked appointments a warning letter will be sent to the patent and they may be at risk of removal.