I find it a shocking statistic that 42 GP and 86 nurse appointments were missed at the Health Centre during January

Unless these patients had a family emergency or similar reason for failing to attend they should be fined. Not only are these selfish people blocking appointments for those who may need one, they are being very rude to highly trained professional people.

It only takes a phone call to cancel an obviously unneeded appointment.

We are fortunate in this country to have medical and nursing care free at the point need but patients have a responsibility not to abuse this

We all know the NHS costs billions of pounds to operate and patients as well as those working in it should not waste money.

Claire Crouch

Sidmouth