ACCORDING to statistics, the National Health Service is losing £187 million a year in unattended appointments at doctors' surgeries.
Some people, quick to jump on the bandwagon, suggest that patients in future start paying £10 for every visit to a GP.
This would be a further erosion of our much-admired free health service.
Maybe a fairer way would be to levy a charge if you failed to attend an appointment, to be paid on your next visit to the doctor.
It is common courtesy to inform the surgery if some other emergency arises, to let others take your place.
There would be great indignation if ever the move was implemented. Many would not check in at a time when they may urgently need a diagnosis.
K SOWERBUTTS (Mr), Southwood Drive, Baxenden.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article