Missed Appointments

Missed appointments were a key learning point identified in a Manchester Rapid Review following the tragic death of a child. The review highlighted the way services record missed appointments, particularly the distinction between ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) and ‘Was Not Brought’ (WNB), and why this difference matters. 

Recording a child as ‘Was Not Brought’ shifts the focus onto the responsibility of adults and encourages practitioners to consider the reasons behind the missed appointment, rather than simply noting non-attendance. This approach promotes professional curiosity and supports a more child-centred perspective, recognising that missed appointments may indicate unmet need or potential risk. Click below to read the 7 minute briefing (7mb)