MOANING about the NHS is a national pastime. How often do you hear people complaining about having to wait a week to see their doctor?

Not because there are too few doctors, but probably because the GP is sitting waiting for a patient who doesn't bother to turn up and who doesn't have the courtesy to telephone to say they intend to miss the appointment.

One Trowbridge surgery reported 180 wasted appointments in just one month.

We all expect to be able to see a doctor when we need one. The thoughtless actions of these time-wasters are affecting us all.