PATIENTS have been told to either turn up for their appointments or cancel them in advance after a surgery in Harwich was blighted by hundreds of no-shows in a month.

Bosses at the Mayflower Medical Centre, in Main Road, have issued a plea to residents who use their practice after 209 patients missed appointments in February.

The number of GP meetings wasted by the poorly members of the public is the equivalent of 50 hours – time the stretched NHS can ill afford to not make the most of.

In a statement published on social media, bosses at the health complex have now called on patients to me more considerate when deciding whether to show-up or not.

A spokesman for Mayflower Medical Centre said: “Throughout February we had a total of 209 missed appointments. This equated to 50 hours of clinical time.

“We are always trying our best to ensure we can see as many patients as possible. However, when you fail to attend it means the appointment has gone to waste.

“If you are unable to attend an appointment please ensure you either respond to the confirmation text or call us in advance to cancel.

“Thank you for your understanding.”