Our local practice charges for missed appointments if you don't call to cancel; that is fair because someone else could have been seen. And there have been times I've had to call and get an appointment, and I always get one if someone has called to cancel but if they haven't I can't get in. If it's urgent and the urgent appointments are filled I have to wait.

But I think striking them off seems rather extreme to me unless they have several patients a day not showing up if that is the case I understand it. But really if the circumstances are the same as the lady who went to hospital then that isn't fair.

The letter people receive could also be a form computer generated letter that is sent to people who miss an appointment. If that is the case then because it is a form mail it will just go to everyone who misses and encourages the courtesy call to the doctor rather than just not turning up.

Try not to let it stress you too much Tishie, there are reasons and ways around things which are designed to make things run as smoothly as possible.