IT may not seem a major thing to not turn up for a hospital appointment but in reality, it costs money.

Just one person missing an appointment costs about £100 and when the numbers run into more than 120,000 across Sussex, it is clear the cost soon mounts up.

At a time when the NHS is struggling financially, it is clear this is an issue that needs to be tackled.

Of course there are sometimes good reasons why a person can’t come to their appointment, but equally there are other occasions where people do not take the time to let the hospital know.

This is also an issue that works both ways.

Hospitals themselves need to keep a good grip on their outpatients appointments procedure, ensure patient contact details are up to date and that they are contacted in good time.

Equally, if a patient knows they no longer want the appointment and have no intention of going, then they should let the hospital know and another patient waiting to be seen can use the space instead.

If both patients and the hospitals do their bit to help, then the number of missed appointments will hopefully start to drop and the lost money can be used for the vital treatment and care people need.