Poor public transport to blame for missed GP appointments

‘Failing to turn up for an appointment is appalling – unless it is not your fault.’ Photograph: parkerphotography/Alamy

I do agree that some patients should be fined for missing GP and hospital appointments (Rishi Sunak considers banning cigarettes for next generation, 22 September). But in rural areas, where I live, if you no longer drive or are young and cannot afford a car, you have to rely on the local bus service to get to our main surgery or hospital.

Our village surgery is only open at reduced hours. We have a one-hourly bus service in Millbrook. If the bus doesn’t turn up or is running late, patients need to pay £35 to get a taxi to the main surgery in Torpoint. Our direct bus service to the nearest main hospital in Plymouth was cancelled a few years ago, so now patients without cars have to rely on getting two buses.