Hospital appointment no-shows in Waikato have cost the taxpayer nearly half a million dollars despite a transport scheme aimed at reducing the problem.
Hauraki/Thames-Coromandel residents failing to keep their appointments between July last year and February this year cost the organisation a huge $441,430, the Waikato District Health Boards says.
A service was established a year ago to organise transport for people to and from Thames and Waikato hospitals in the hope it would reduce no-shows.
There had been a slight reduction from January to March but it was unclear whether that was as a result of the scheme, Thames Hospital service manager Jacquie Mitchell said.
"The number of people in this region not keeping their appointments and not telling hospital staff they are unable to attend is a concern," Ms Mitchell said.
Surveys have been sent to local schools and service clubs asking people what are the barriers to keeping their appointments, particularly for their children.
NZN