fp Turks and Caicos

Patients are being urged to keep to appointment times at the new hospitals on Provo and Grand Turk.

Medical staff warns that they cannot guarantee seeing people who turn up late.

Missed appointments are a major problem at the two medical centres, according to Interhealth Canada TCI’s chief medical officer, Dr. Robyn Barnes.

“Appointments are made for a reason, and we are seeing far too many people either turning up late or not turning up at all,” Barnes said.

“We understand that things can crop up during the day, forcing patients to be late, but what we ask that they contact us to let us know,” she said.

“When somebody is late or doesn’t show up, the knock-on effect is huge. It causes delays for those who have arrived on time, inconveniencing other patients.”

Barnes said every effort will be made to see patients who do arrive late, but she has urged people to be “patient.”

“Often when people do turn up late, they expect to be seen straight away. In most cases this is not possible. Our aim is see everyone, but obviously priority will be given to those who have kept to their appointment times,” said Barnes.

“We will endeavor to see anyone who does arrive late, but we can never guarantee this because it’s a case of fitting people in when vacant slots become available.

“What we would ask is for people to be patient and, wherever possible, to contact the hospital if they know they are going to be late or if they need to cancel and reschedule.

“This applies to outpatients, physiotherapy, maternity and all other departments within the hospitals.”

Patients can contact Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Provo at 941-2800 and Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk at 941-2900.