Figures obtained through a freedom of information request have shown that 19,797 appointments at the Hospital were missed in 2019, over 2,000 more than in 2015.
The highest number of missed appointments were outpatient appointments for surgery, with 9,313 missed in total.
Group managing director for health Rob Sainsbury said some reasons for missing appointments were outside of patients’ control, but he urged all people who could not attend for appointments to let the Hospital know so they could see other patients.
He said: ‘Patients missing appointments is an issue that all hospitals face and last year it accounted for about 9% of the total number of appointments at Jersey General Hospital.
‘We understand that sometimes reasons outside of a patient’s control, such as an emergency or an unexpected illness, can result in appointments being missed.
‘However, we would urge people who cannot attend their appointment to get in touch with the Hospital as soon as possible in order for their appointment to be transferred to another patient. To help patients remember they have an upcoming appointment, the Health and Community Services department has a text reminder system in place.’
Some Islanders have said a lack of parking spaces available at the Hospital could be the reason for missed appointments. The government said that a detailed review was under way looking at potentially establishing more specific hospital parking spaces.
A spokesperson for the Health Department added: ‘There are 59 dedicated patient spaces in Patriotic Street car park and eight disabled spaces outside the Gwyneth Huelin block.
‘Large numbers of patients visit the Hospital on a daily basis and so demand for parking at Patriotic Street car park often exceeds supply. However, as well as the 59 dedicated patient spaces at Patriotic Street car park there are a further 620 public spaces at the facility and there are several car parks within walking distance of the Hospital which are suitable for able-bodied patients.
‘However, it is acknowledged that for patients with a disability it can be difficult to get a parking space close to the Hospital. A review of the Hospital’s parking provision is currently under way.
‘HCS is currently looking at this issue in detail.’
