Medical Centre DNA

Most of us know that DNA is part of the molecular system in the cells of living creatures that is involved in passing on genetic coding from one generation to the next. We are also aware that DNA is used in forensic science to help identify criminals through its unique characteristics, differing significantly from one individual to the next — a one-off. So, for law-abiding folk, recording DNA is a very positive development. But not all DNA can be regarded so positively. Nor, sadly, is it always a one-off.

As far as staff at the medical centre are concerned, DNA also stands for "Did Not Attend" — and as you've probably gathered, this referes to patients who fail to turn up for their allotted appointments.

In the period from 1st Feb to 30th April 2013, Haddenham Medical Centre recored no less than 81 "Did Not Attends" (DNAs). This equates to approximately 13.5 hours worth of GP and nurse appointments that could have been allocated to other patients.

Practice Manager, Ellen Solley asks that, if you are unable to attend an appointment, can you please inform the Medical Centre in plenty of time, or as soon as possible, in order that the appointment can be cancelled and made available to someone else.

Thank you.