Health and Social Care Minister explains reasoning behind appointment letter shake up

The Health and Social Care Minister has said a new approach to sending out appointment letters isn't about saving money, but increasing efficiency.

From now on a single appointment letter is issued six weeks in advance in an effort to reduce admin, and confusion with the individual. 

It is hoped that this will help more patients to remember the date of their appointment, rather than having to take note of it months in advance.

Speaking in Tynwald this week Minister Lawrie Hooper said currently far too many people attending appointments are classed as 'DNA' - did not attend: