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.
Failing to turn up for an appointment is appalling – unless it is not your fault. Why don’t patients ring reception and let them know so that some appointments can be quickly passed on to someone else waiting? Rishi Sunak needs to be told of the unfair impact that this can have on some patients when it is not their fault if they have to rely on their bus service and cannot afford a taxi.
Margaret Parker
Millbrook, Cornwall
• If Rishi Sunak goes ahead with his idea of a £10 fine for people missing GP or hospital appointments, can I suggest he uses the money as a prize fund for the few of us actually able to get an appointment.
Maurice Bates
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
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