When You Don’t Show & Let Us Know

Dear Patient,

You are receiving this message because you made a commitment that you did not keep, when you failed to show for your new patient appointment at Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics without letting us know. This is an alarming trend that we see occurring mostly with the younger generation today, so we would like you to understand what happens on the other side.

We are not a large corporation. We are a local small business. Every appointment is reserved specifically for you, and when you do not arrive or contact us, that time cannot be filled at short notice. That means a clinician sits waiting, another patient who genuinely needed that appointment misses out, and our business loses income.

A no-show is not “just one appointment.” It affects our staff, our patients and the financial health of a small business that works hard to provide quality healthcare to the community.

We also want to be honest about something else.

Choosing not to send a quick text or make a quick phone call shows a lack of respect for other people. Life gets busy. Emergencies happen. Plans change. We completely understand that. What we struggle to understand is making no effort at all to let someone know.

This type of behaviour is extremely selfish and self-centred. We are not afraid to call it out because we are hopeful that it might lead to change.

Most people like to think of themselves as respectful, reliable and considerate.

The question you need to ask yourself is simple:

Does failing to show up to an appointment without letting someone know reflect the person you believe you are?

Many of you will one day run a business, manage a team, or be responsible for people’s livelihoods. When that day comes, you will quickly appreciate how frustrating and costly it is when someone does not respect your time. We hope you never have to experience that—but if you do, you will understand why this matters.

Your generation will shape Australia’s future. The values you choose today—respect, responsibility and accountability—will determine the kind of communities and workplaces we all live in tomorrow. Small acts of consideration matter. They build trust, strengthen local businesses and create a better society for everyone.

If you can’t attend an appointment, that’s absolutely okay. Just have the courtesy, maturity and integrity to let them know. Think about the other side. It only takes a quick phone call or message. It is not that hard.

Remember in society, respect goes both ways.

Regards,

Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics