THE CHORLEY and South Ribble Primary Care Trust is urging people to keep or cancel doctors' appointments after it was revealed more than 700 were missed in just two months.

Figures showed that in June and July 727 appointments were missed in nine of Chorley and South Ribble's practices.

The appeal comes after results of a survey by Developing Patients Partnerships (DPP), a health education charity, revealed almost nine million appointments are missed nationwide each year costing the NHS £162 million.

It is not only a drain on resources but increases waiting list times for people who urgently need doctors' assistance.

The Chorley and South Ribble trust is now stepping up the national Keep It or Cancel It Campaign by distributing posters and leaflets in all GP surgeries.

Dr Terry O'Connor, chairman of the trust's professional executive committee, said: "Every general practice and hospital I know, struggles to produce enough appointments each day and still finds some appointments are wasted because patients don't bother to turn up and don't bother to cancel."

Persistent offenders are the biggest problem.

The trust now operates a three strikes and you are out policy where two warning letters will be issued before removal from the GP's list.

Dr Terry John, spokesperson for the DPP, said: "Keep a note of your appointment, or ask a friend or relative to remind you.

"If you feel better great, but let your practice know, they can then give your appointment to someone who needs it and plan more effectively to improve the service for all patients."