One in three physio appointments missed in Northern Lincolnshire at peak
Hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe lost dozens of clinical hours in a single month as staff investigate why patients are failing to attend appointments
Nearly one in three physiotherapy appointments in Northern Lincolnshire were missed at one stage last year – leaving NHS staff with empty clinics while other patients remained stuck on waiting lists.
Figures from NHS Humber Health Partnership show non-attendance rates in Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy services rose from around five per cent to a peak of 30 per cent in October.
In that month alone, 136 appointments for issues including back, knee and shoulder pain were missed across services linked to Scunthorpe General Hospital, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and outpatient clinics across the region.
According to the trust, that equated to 68 clinical hours lost.
Robin Houston, Head of Therapies at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said staff began investigating after noticing a clear rise in missed appointments.
Research carried out alongside Healthwatch, including conversations with around 100 patients, found several reasons behind the no-shows.
“Sometimes people forget appointments,” Robin explained. “Some people have challenges with transport links and parking.”
“Some people then also have an anxiety around the appointment, not really sure what to expect,” he said.
The trust is now exploring solutions including improved text reminders, more community clinic locations, flexible appointment times and video or telephone consultations.
Clinics already operate in places including Barton and Winterton, with more locations being explored across Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Robin said the impact of missed appointments stretches beyond finances.
“We want to provide the best service we can,” he said. “But we can’t treat an empty seat.”
"From our own staffing perspective, these are clinicians, they're passionate about what they do.
"They want to support the patients and the local public and ultimately if people don't turn up to the appointments, then they can't do that."
He urged that patients who no longer need appointments to let the NHS know so slots can be offered to somebody else waiting for treatment.