The Golden & District Hospital is asking residents to help reduce wait times and improve access to care — simply by calling ahead if they can’t make their scheduled appointments, specifically ultrasound appointments.
While it may seem like a small oversight, missing a medical appointment without notice has a ripple effect. Every no-show means a lost opportunity for someone else in need, increased wait times, and wasted time for healthcare staff.
“Currently, there is a 334-patient waitlist for ultrasounds at the Golden and District Hospital, and we’re seeing multiple no-shows every day,” said a hospital spokesperson. “When a patient doesn’t show up and doesn’t call, that time slot is lost — and someone else who’s been waiting can’t be seen.”
The hospital urges patients to call and cancel or reschedule as soon as possible. Doing so allows local staff to notify the Cranbrook booking system and offer the appointment to someone else on the waitlist — helping the entire region access care more efficiently.
The proper way to cancel is for patients to phone the number for diagnostic imaging at East Kootenay Regional Hospital Diagnostic Imaging department, which would have been included on their appointment letter, ideally in advance.
If it’s a last-minute issue that will affect your ultrasound appointment, patients are urged to call the Golden Hospital front desk at (250) 344-5271 and ask to speak to the front desk receptionist to cancel their ultrasound.
The Golden Medical Clinic faces similar challenges.
In May 2025, there were 114 no-show appointments. Missing a medical appointment at the clinic without notice might not seem important — but it has serious consequences for our entire healthcare system.
Each missed appointment means:
A valuable time slot goes unused — one that another patient could have taken.
Wait times grow longer for everyone, making it harder to access timely care.
Our healthcare team’s time and resources are wasted, impacting overall clinic efficiency.
“We know that unexpected things happen. But if you can’t make it to your appointment, please call us in advance to cancel or reschedule. That one small step allows us to offer the slot to someone else who needs it.”
Your actions matter. Showing up — or letting the staff know if you can’t — helps shorten wait times, improve access to care, and keep things running smoothly for you and your community.
For cancellations or appointment changes at the clinic, contact the Golden Medical Clinic at (250) 344-2211.
