I READ with interest your article (June 17) about missed hospital appointments.

I agree it is annoying and have never deliberately missed any appointments (I once never actually received the letter – this a no show, and a cancellation one time was not actually cancelled. No show again!) But missed appointments cut both ways.

Last year we trundled up to the hospital, only to find on arrival that they had cancelled and only contacted us after we had left home en route for Oxford!

We were as annoyed as hospitals must be when patients don’t turn up. As Prof Stradling says, often a lack of communication is key. Also the hospital parking is often difficult and expensive.

A friend took me up one day (I usually try to bus it) and the clinic was three-and-a-half hours late.

Dentists charge for missed dates so maybe this could be implemented for “constant offenders”.

But usually there should be no excuse if communication both ways is applied well in advance if a clinic has to cancel rather than 45 minutes beforehand.

D HOLLOWAY
Wenrise Drive
Minster Lovell