Why should I cancel my NHS GP appointment if I feel better?

Cancelling an unneeded GP appointment frees up a slot for another patient who may urgently require medical attention.

How much money does the NHS lose from wasted GP appointments?

Wasted GP appointments cost the NHS over £216 million annually, with millions of hours lost each year.

Are there alternatives to booking an NHS GP appointment?

Yes, the NHS website suggests exploring other services for non-urgent issues before booking a GP appointment.

Home / Health / NHS Doctor's Plea: Cancel Unneeded GP Slots!

NHS Doctor's Plea: Cancel Unneeded GP Slots!

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Patients urged to cancel GP appointments if symptoms resolve.
Millions of GP appointments are wasted annually in the UK.
Missed appointments cost the NHS over £216 million yearly.

NHS Doctor's Plea: Cancel Unneeded GP Slots!

An urgent appeal has been made by an NHS doctor for patients to cancel GP appointments they no longer need, especially if their symptoms have resolved on their own. This simple action could significantly alleviate pressure on the healthcare system by freeing up vital slots for those who require them.

The issue of missed GP appointments is substantial in the UK. Reports indicate that over 15 million general practice appointments are wasted annually due to patients not showing up or cancelling. This accounts for approximately one in every 20 scheduled sessions, impacting GPs, nurses, and other staff.

This widespread problem results in considerable financial and operational costs for the NHS. Millions of GP hours are lost each year, equivalent to hundreds of full-time GPs. The total financial impact exceeds £216 million annually, not to mention the disruption caused to healthcare professionals and fellow patients awaiting appointments.