Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives show that 16,967 outpatient appointments have been missed by patients at NHS Borders.
The figures show for the past 10 years, 5.6% of all scheduled outpatient appointments were not attended by patients, where no prior warning given of cancellation.
The latest figures available (2017) show that the number of appointments where a patient did not attend without a reason rose slightly from 1,645 in 2016 to 1,747 in 2017.
Rachael Hamilton MSP wants to use the figures to highlight, that at a time when the NHS in the Borders is facing pressures due to Scottish Government funding decisions, attending scheduled hospital appointments is vitally important.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“People miss appointments for a variety of reasons; however it is crucial that they let the hospital or GP practice know in advance of cancellation.
“Appointments can then be rescheduled and this avoids doctors and health professionals from wasting valuable resources and time.
“At a time when decisions by the SNP Government in Holyrood are negatively impacting on NHS Borders, it is important that we make sure to attend appointments or given sufficient notice of cancellation, if it is no longer possible for a patient to attend
“I think we should all spare a thought for our hardworking NHS staff over the festive period”.