Simple Idea
The March 25th Economist reports about a recent study in which "text-messaging reminders reduces the number of missed appointments with family doctors by 26-39%, for example, and the number of missed hospital appointments by 33-50%." [85] While the article doesn't go into the costs associated with implementing and maintaining such a system, it does estimate the projected savings at 256m-364m pounds. Such a simple idea that has tangible benefits.