I was at my medical clinic in St. Albert for an appointment recently. For about the past 18 months the clinic has been keeping track of patients who book appointments and are “no-shows” – they do not call to cancel or reschedule appointments.

During this past August, there were 44 patients who did not keep their appointments or call to cancel. This number does not seem to be unusual for the clinic. Some months are slightly less and some substantially higher.

In my opinion, this behaviour is absolutely inexcusable. There are so many people who have difficulties finding a family doctor – many doctors within St. Albert do not take new patients. If everyone had the courtesy to call if they are unable to keep their appointments, perhaps doctors would be able to accept new patients.

June Wetsch, St. Albert

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