Residents in Canvey Island, Essex, are being warned they could be removed from their GP list after 49 appointments were missed at The Island Surgery in December 2025. The surgery says this resulted in 12.5 hours of wasted appointment time — equivalent to about one-and-a-half 8‑hour working days for a clinician — at a time when local GP waiting lists are under intense pressure.
The surgery reported that these missed sessions make waiting times much longer for everyone in the community. Under the NHS GMS Regulations 2015 (Schedule 3), a practice may remove a patient for a ‘breakdown in the relationship’ — which can include persistent DNAs — but this can only follow a formal written warning issued within the preceding 12 months.
Patients are being encouraged to use the NHS App, email, or the phone to cancel if they can no longer make it so the slot can be given to someone else. NHS England guidance warns that missed appointments place a heavy strain on the health service; locally, the Canvey Primary Care Network and island practices say DNAs are increasing pressure on services.
The Island Surgery’s notice says staff will send a formal warning letter before any patient is removed from the practice list; that warning is considered within a 12‑month period and is intended to remind residents to inform the clinic if they cannot attend a scheduled visit.
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