A bid to reduce missed hospital appointments at the James Paget has been launched.

Figures show that more than 17,700 patients didn't attend their appointment in the last financial year - over 7pc of the total.

Each missed appointment costs on average £203 for a new patient and £122 for a follow up.

Now, there is a drive to reduce the number of appointments missed to 4pc of the total, which would save £877,000 annually.

A survey is being launched to find out what measures might help remind patients about an appointment they have already booked.

The survey will be available online until July 29 at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JPUHOutpatients