FINE patients who don't show up.
That's the overwhelming view from Daily Echo website users who have responded to our survey asking what can be done about missed appointments.
In all roughly two-thirds of respondents think charging patients who don't show up is the best plan.
Unions have criticised the idea of fines for patients, saying it would be playing God with people's healthcare and the fines would hit those in financial need hardest.
Nearly one-third of respondents think patients should be reminded of their appointment a few days beforehand.
Several hospitals including Southampton General Hospital and Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital already phone some patients to remind them and are considering introducing a text message service to remind people to show up.
Only a handful of respondents said nothing can be done about the crisis proving the public are committed to helping their local NHS.
What do you think about missed appointments?
Should patients be fined or reminded of appointments, or are hospital administration systems to blame? Contact Daily Echo reporter Cathy Wallace on 02380 424501, e-mail cathy.wallace@soton-echo.co.uk or write to The Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.
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