Medway NHS Trust has lost more than £1.5 million this year due to thousands of patients not turning up to appointments, figures show.

Data from NHS England shows that, between January and June, 14,205 people either did not arrive for an outpatient appointment at the trust, or arrived too late to be seen.

With the NHS struggling for funds amid budget cuts and increased demand, the British Medical Association (BMA) said it was crucial appointments are not wasted while the health service is “under incredible stress”.

The average outpatient appointment costs the NHS £120, according to the latest resources cost data.

This means that the 14,205 missed sessions cost Medway NHS Foundation Trust around £1.7 million.

Dr Robert Harwood, chairman of the BMA’s consultant committee, said: “It is important that no appointments are wasted at a time when the NHS is under incredible stress.

“We should not stigmatise patients who may for legitimate reasons be unable to attend.

“However, we do need the NHS to emphasise through clear publicity to the public that given the current unprecedented pressure, patients should make every possible effort to rearrange their appointment so that another person is able to receive treatment in their place.”

At Medway NHS Foundation Trust, out of the 147,898 outpatient appointments, 9% of patients did not show up.

The figures show 4,482 people failed to make their first appointment, 8% of first attendances, while 9,723, or 9%, did not appear for a subsequent meeting.

Failing to turn up for appointments means patients could be missing out on vital care.

Gurjit Mahil, executive director of clinical operations at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “While missed outpatient appointments do have a financial impact, what is most important is their impact on patient care.

“Missing an appointment means you are not receiving the care you need, when you need it.

“We understand that sometimes people cannot make their original appointments, in which case please get in touch as soon as you can.

“That way we can make sure we see you as soon as we can, and we can offer your original appointment slot to another person who needs our care.

“Finally, if you think you might forget when your appointment is then do not worry.

“You can sign up for our appointment reminder service which will send you text messages three times in the days running up to your appointment, and give you the opportunity to cancel your appointment if you need to.

“Details of how to sign up for this service, and how to reschedule your appointment if you need to, are available on our website.”

You can find the website at www.medway.nhs.uk