Fines work both ways

New Cross chief executive Mr D Loughton calls for charges to be made for missed appointments and is asking the NHS to look again at charging people who fail to keep appointments.

Before Mr Loughton makes these requests he should ensure his own house is in order.

In early 2006 I was verbally given an appointment and was informed that it would be confirmed by letter within in the next two weeks. I never received the letter but I did attend and though I did not have a piece of paper to hand in at the reception desk, my name was on the list.

I was informed it was not unusual for this to happen. However, there must be many people who do not receive confirmation and therefore fail to turn up and it is not of their making.

During this spell I was also informed that I had missed an appointment for a test, via my GP, and I would need to rebook this particular test. I never did receive a letter regarding the missed test and I informed New Cross Hospital. I never received an answer.

By all means, Mr Loughton put on a charge, but the reverse must also be true and in my experience, you will pay out more than you take!

T P Greenwood, Churns Hill Lane, Himley.