Following the success of the Did Not Attend Campaign that ran from January to March, the Department of Health is relaunching the campaign to drive down the number of missed appointments.
On more than 55,000 occasions last year, Tasmanian patients did not attend their public outpatient medical appointment, increasing waiting lists and delaying Tasmanians from accessing specialist doctors.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, has urged Tasmanians to plan ahead to support the Tasmanian Health System.
“We are committed to reducing waiting lists to ensure Tasmanians across the State can access the specialist medical care they need sooner,” Minister Barnett said.
“While we are playing our part with increased investment across the health system, Tasmanians can also play their part, and that’s what this campaign is all about.
“An effective healthcare system is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a role to play to ensure Tasmanians can get the health care they need, when and where they need it.
“Every one of the 55,000 missed appointments could have gone to someone else if the Department had been told in time.
“We understand life is busy, and plans can change, but the message for Tasmanians is clear – if you can’t make it, let somebody else take it.”
Cancelling or changing your appointment is simple, and can help someone else get the care they need:
- Make sure you respond YES or NO to our text reminders.
- Or call our friendly call centre teams (details on appointment letter) to let us know, or go to www.health.tas.gov.au/patients/going-hospital/outpatient-appointments
