Not long ago, someone called our practice in urgent need of care.
They weren’t yet a patient, but they were in pain and hoping to be seen as soon as possible. Unfortunately, every surgery was booked and every clinician was fully committed. We simply couldn’t offer a slot without delaying or disrupting care for our existing patients.
Later that same day, someone else didn’t attend their appointment. No call. No notice. By the time we realised, it was too late to offer that space to the person who had called earlier in pain.
We understand life happens — schedules change, emergencies come up, and sometimes things are genuinely out of our control.
But moments like this remind us of the ripple effect that missed appointments have — on us, on other patients, and on the wider community.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To all our patients who:
- Arrive on time
- Keep us updated
- Give us notice when plans change
Thank you. Your reliability helps us provide better care, reduce delays, and create more opportunities for patients who need urgent help.
Why Two Full Working Days’ Notice Matters
Many patients do let us know when they can’t make it. But if notice comes only on the day — or the night before — it’s often too late to fill the space.
That’s why we kindly ask for two full working days’ notice when cancelling or rescheduling.
For example:
- If your appointment is on a Monday, please let us know by the Thursday before.
This notice allows us to:
- Offer the slot to someone on our waiting list
- See patients in urgent need
- Keep your care (and everyone else’s) running smoothly
The Bigger Picture — And The Real Cost
In the past 12 months, we’ve lost:
- 120 hours to failed-to-attend appointments
- 162.25 hours to short-notice cancellations
That’s 282.25 clinical hours — time that could have been used to help patients in pain or those waiting for treatment.
And while the chair may sit empty, the costs of running the room continue.
In fact, this lost time has cost the practice over £32,000.
That’s money that could have supported:
- New technology and equipment
- Expanding appointment availability
- Training and development for our team
- Enhancing your experience with us
Every Appointment Matters
Each slot is a chance to:
- Relieve pain
- Catch small issues before they become big ones
- Improve someone’s health and confidence
When appointments are missed without notice, those opportunities disappear — for you, for us, and for someone else who may have needed it.
How You Can Help
We’re here to make things easy for you — and with a little notice, we can do even more for everyone.
Here’s what helps most:
- Give us at least two full working days’ notice if you can’t attend
- Keep your contact details up to date so reminders reach you
- Let us know if your availability changes — we’ll help you find a better time
Final Thoughts
We don’t take your trust for granted. By attending your appointments — or giving us notice when plans change — you help us:
- Support more patients
- Reduce waiting times
- Keep care accessible
- Focus resources where they’re most needed
And just as importantly, you protect your own health. Delaying care often leads to more complex (and costly) problems down the line.
Your regular visits help us look after your smile today and prevent issues tomorrow.
So thank you — for your time, your understanding, and your commitment to your care.
Need To Update Your Details?
Just give us a call, email us, or use our online contact form. We’re always happy to help — and together, we can keep things running smoothly for everyone.
