Did Not Attend (DNA) Policy.

Bellview Clinics are committed to ensuring that the best possible service is provided to all patients registered with the Practices. We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to get a routine appointment with a GP or Nurse — and one thing that makes this increasingly difficult to overcome is the problem of missed appointments (DNAs).

Failure to attend your appointment without prior notice will result in a €30 non-attendance fee.

A DNA occurs when:

• an appointment is not attended;
• the patient has not contacted the Practice in advance to cancel it; or
• the cancellation is so late that it is impossible to allocate that time to another patient who needs treatment.

What can I do to cancel my appointment?

Just let us know. We would like at least 24 hours' notice, but we know this is not always possible — so please try to let us know at least 1 hour before your scheduled appointment time. Letting us know as soon as possible allows us to rebook another patient into that time slot.

If you miss one appointment

You will receive a phone call from a member of our admin staff to remind you that you missed an appointment and make sure you are aware of any outstanding fees on your account. They will explain the next steps if you fail to attend further appointments within a 12-month rolling period.

If you miss two appointments within a rolling 12-month period

You will receive another phone call from the practice, asking you to explain why you did not attend, and advising that another missed appointment could result in you being removed from the practice. A further fee will apply.

If you miss three or more appointments within a rolling 12-month period

You will receive a phone call from the practice manager within 4 weeks of your third DNA, to discuss why you did not attend and what is preventing you from cancelling appointments, to see if we can help.

• If the reason is valid — we will continue to care for you, however a DNA fee will apply.
• If no valid reason is given — you will be removed from the practice list.
• If you do not answer the call from the practice manager, you will be removed from the practice list and will need to find a new GP practice to register with.

You will be informed of the decision in writing. Once a removal has been actioned, you have 30 days to find a new GP practice to accept you onto their register.