I read that many thousands of pounds of public money (or NHS money as it is often called) is being wasted by naughty patients not turning up for their appointmens (Oxford Mail, June 21).

It is indeed wondrous that people destined for outpatients departments at our hospitals are to be texted to remind them to attend.

Let us hope that the texts are sent one day, rather than three weeks, in advance, as have reminder letters until now.

Even patients have things to do as well as sit contemplating their hospital appointment cards.

Having tried to get an emergency appointment in one case and being left hanging on the line by staff at the old Radcliffe switchboard, who were unaware that the Eye Hospital was closed for four days for a Bank Holiday, I was unwise enough, on another occasion, to cancel an appointment at the same hospital, due to late information about the funeral of a dear friend. I was put down as 'did not attend'.

A bout of 'flu, which I had hoped would clear in time, did not, and again I was late (same day) ringing to cancel an appointment. Again a "DNA".

I am now trying to get through to cancel an appointment with the hearing aid department in the new West Wing.

Two of the numbers given don't answer and the third is left off the hook (no-one can talk for 36 hours, surely?).

Patients' notes are 'pulled' ready for a clinic some 48 hours before the date of the clinic.

A patient contacting the hospital to cancel due to an emergency their end during this period is put down as "didn't turn up or bother to let us know".

Would it be beyond the wit of hospital administration to keep lists of patients' names and telephone/text numbers to use if there is a late cancellation?

New patients, and those fearing a worsening in their condition especially, may appreciate being offered an earlier appointment than the traditional several months!

And, joy of joys, have someone employed to answer the telephone when specific numbers are given to patients for their use.

Could these two simple ideas save some of the wasted time/cash at all the outpatients' departments? After all, setting up the texting equipment must be going to cost a bomb.

P ST CLAIR Argyle Street Oxford