Yesterday I had a hospital appointment and I finally got seen an hour and a half after the booked time.
To someone like me with zero patience (and a job to get back to....) I found this a rather frustrating and stressful experience. In fact by the time I finally got to see the doctor I was seriously contemplating whether banging my head against the wall would provide a more effective treatment than anything he could recommend.
To those who know me possibly the most surprising thing was I never even complained.....

I have three questions :

1 How common is it to have to have a long wait ?
2 Is it acceptable ?
3 Has anyone ever complained and what happened when they did ?

I think its pretty common to have a long wait, depending on the type clinic you are attending/treatment you require and regardless of the given appointment time. In most cases this is because either 1) other, more important emergency cases come in who need to be seen as a priority or 2) earlier appointments over run due to the nature of the treatment involved or a longer time being required for assessment and counselling of a patient which has a knock on effect for later appointments.
It is frustrating but is commonly accepted and I'm not sure complaining would help you get seen any quicker.
The only way to ensure being seen at your given appointment time is to pay for private treatment in a private hospital...otherwise patience and a good book are the way forward.

I agree I think it's very frustrating to have such a long over run on routine clinic appointments. Since this seems to be the norm, it would seem to be common sense to book fewer appointments per clinic, but I'm sure this would probably mean some target or other wouldn't be met.

I think that the problem is that doctors think that their time is more important than yours.

It seems to me that everyone is always waiting longer than anticipated in which case they should know this happens and can then adjust things accordingly.

I think as a matter of courtesy, hospitals should tell you of any delay when you turn up for your appointment. I know the staff are doing their best, but if you have other commitments, then at least you'd have the option of rescheduling... which in turn would reduce the wait for those after you!

I had an appointment in the dermatology department of the Hallamshire a few weeks ago. As an employee of the NHS, I too have appointments to keep. At reception I asked if the clinic was running on time and was told it was. After waiting for an hour and realising that there were people still waiting who had appointments before mine, I had to tell them I could no longer wait. I've now got another appointment for next week - I've booked the day off work!

I had an appointment in the dermatology department of the Hallamshire a few weeks ago. As an employee of the NHS, I too have appointments to keep. At reception I asked if the clinic was running on time and was told it was. After waiting for an hour and realising that there were people still waiting who had appointments before mine, I had to tell them I could no longer wait. I've now got another appointment for next week - I've booked the day off work!

I wonder is running an hour or so late is what they call on time?

In your case this has cost the NHS money because you have been non productive and you work for them. In other cases this costs the country money.

Have any of you stopped and considered that, due to the nature of hospitals, there may be unforseen circumstances which mean that consultations last longer than previously suspected? Doctors, surgeons, nurses - anyone connected with our hospitals do a damn good job, and to gripe about being delayed is, in my opinion, more than a little churlish.

Would you rather money was wasted by scheduling fewer appointments and having 'downtime' if these appointments take less time than anticipated? Or would you be complaining about how the NHS was wasting money by having so many staff at a loose end?

Instead of complaining about the NHS - or more accurately the individuals charged to look after our health and well-being - why don't you try and be a bit more appreciative of what they do manage to do for us?

And KenH - unless you've got some kind of wonderful profession where you help people on a daily basis, I'd say that the doctors' time is more important than your own. Don't get many overworked doctors frittering away hours on internet fora do you?

Every time I have had a hospital appointment, there is a board up which warns you of any delay - so you at least have a chance to go away & come back. The cause of the delay id probably that some patients need a longer time with the doctors & if that patient was you - you would not complain that the doctor was spending too much time with you. Yes, it is frustrating, but I always expect a delay, and take a book to read - so it comes as a pleasant surprice when things run to time - or sometimes even early!

When I went in for a minor bit of day surgery, I think the wait was longer then the op & recovery time lol.

The nurse told me that it was due to the asthmatic woman before me having an attack in the theatre due to someone's perfume though, so I guess that's a good enough excuse!

Yesterday I had a hospital appointment and I finally got seen an hour and a half after the booked time.
To someone like me with zero patience (and a job to get back to....) I found this a rather frustrating and stressful experience. In fact by the time I finally got to see the doctor I was seriously contemplating whether banging my head against the wall would provide a more effective treatment than anything he could recommend.
To those who know me possibly the most surprising thing was I never even complained.....

I have three questions :

1 How common is it to have to have a long wait ?
2 Is it acceptable ?
3 Has anyone ever complained and what happened when they did ?

The best way to avoid a long wait is to go up to reception and say in a loud booming voice (so that everyone else waiting can hear you) "I'm far more important than this bunch of malingerers! I demand to be seen immediately!". Once the staff realise that your time is far more valuable than anyone else's you'll be seen immediately. You are of course totally unique in having zero patience and a job to get back to.

No but seriously for my last hospital appointment I was seen within 20 minutes of arriving and was kept fully informed by the nurse of everything that was going on and how long it would take.

Have any of you stopped and considered that, due to the nature of hospitals, there may be unforseen circumstances which mean that consultations last longer than previously suspected? Doctors, surgeons, nurses - anyone connected with our hospitals do a damn good job, and to gripe about being delayed is, in my opinion, more than a little churlish.

Would you rather money was wasted by scheduling fewer appointments and having 'downtime' if these appointments take less time than anticipated? Or would you be complaining about how the NHS was wasting money by having so many staff at a loose end?



I understand that unforseen circumstances may arise that make a clinic run late, but my point is that in the clinics I have had to attend this seems to be the norm. Therefore it seems that it would be sensible to schedule fewer appointments per clinic and get them running on time.

Dont forget, people do often have other comitments which mean they can't wait, meaning they have to reschedule another appointment which really is just a waste of everyones time and money.

The worse case I ever saw was when I had to take my son for an appointment at the childrens hospital. It over ran terribly, loads of children there had obviouslycome streight from school and were staving hungry, but nobody daredleave to go to get something to eat for fear of losing their turn.

I think it unlikely in a clinic that usually over runs,will end up with vacant appintments and clicic staff twiddling their thumbs.

Have any of you stopped and considered that, due to the nature of hospitals, there may be unforseen circumstances which mean that consultations last longer than previously suspected? Doctors, surgeons, nurses - anyone connected with our hospitals do a damn good job, and to gripe about being delayed is, in my opinion, more than a little churlish.

Would you rather money was wasted by scheduling fewer appointments and having 'downtime' if these appointments take less time than anticipated? Or would you be complaining about how the NHS was wasting money by having so many staff at a loose end?

Instead of complaining about the NHS - or more accurately the individuals charged to look after our health and well-being - why don't you try and be a bit more appreciative of what they do manage to do for us?

And KenH - unless you've got some kind of wonderful profession where you help people on a daily basis, I'd say that the doctors' time is more important than your own. Don't get many overworked doctors frittering away hours on internet fora do you?

I absolutely agree with you.

There's just some things in life we all have to put up with - unless one is royalty or an 'A' list celeb or something - and one of those things is patiently waiting your turn to be seen for a hospital appointment.

Honestly, the attitude of some people here - it's almost like you'd rather run the risk of your health getting worse than have to spend a little bit of your precious time waiting. :confused: What's all that about? Medical staff are busy people, and are no doubt moving things along as quickly, and safely, as they can.

Have a little patience - one day it could be you the doctor has to spend extra time with to ensure you get the best out of your treatment. Realise that a hospital appointment is likely to take longer than you expect it to, and factor that into your busy schedule, then you won't find it quite so stressful when you do have to wait.

StarSparkle

I can see both side of the argument but I`d have a bit more sympathy for the view that "thing`s can run on" if it was only occasionally that this happened rather than virtually all the time. This implies that it is the booking in procedure which is inefficient.

I can see both side of the argument but I`d have a bit sympathy for the view that "thing`s can run on" if it was only occasionally that it did rather than virtually all the time. This implies that the booking in procedure is ineffieient.


Valid point.


My gf was at the hospital yesterday for an appointment that was scheduled to take an hour. Because we saw someone very helpful and caring, who decided to go into as much detail as we wanted and answer all of our questions, it actually took an hour and a half.

This is a good thing; but if he does it all the time and most of his appointments overrun by 50%, the clinic should have the sense to book fewer appts. per day and leave him more time in the first place, no?

Or is it that they "block book" people in at a particular time then deal with them in order ? Efficient for them but not for those waiting.......

Or could it even be that different people have different ailments and needs and therefore it's pretty much impossible to tell how long an appointment is going to take?

It could also be that the consultant is busy earning a fortune at the private clinic across the road?

I very much doubt it.

I agree I think it's very frustrating to have such a long over run on routine clinic appointments. Since this seems to be the norm, it would seem to be common sense to book fewer appointments per clinic, but I'm sure this would probably mean some target or other wouldn't be met.

My sister in law works in out patients

They are under pressure fom managers to overbook clinics

the standard amount of time a manager allocates for an appointment is disgusting
By the time youve said hello to the docs youre basically out of time, so its no wonder they overrun

Deepak

My sister in law works in out patients

They are under pressure fom managers to overbook clinics

the standard amount of time a manager allocates for an appointment is disgusting


And there's the rub. The people who decide how much time to allocate are not the people who have any idea how much time it's going to take.

The doctors, nurses and receptionists should get together and just refuse point-blank to book in patients that they won't have time to see.

I think the NHS's attitude needs to change. The 'what are you moaning for it's free' is not an excuse for providing a sub-standard service which we DO pay for.

I accept if I go to A&E, I'm in for a long wait. I also accept I'm in for a wait when I go to outpatient clinics, but waits of almost 2 hours every time I attend, with NO warning when I book in, is unacceptable. I usually go shortly before lunchtime, and end up not having anything to eat until late afternoon when I could nip to the canteen right next door if I was warned of a wait. When I finally do get to see a doctor, they are usually incredibly rude and not the person I've been told I'm seeing (I've never even seen my consultant, don't even know what he looks like).

I don't think anyone's time is more important than anyone elses, and I accept a moderate wait. I do however think that 2 hours is excessive and you should be informed they are behind and be given the option to rebook (without having to wait 3 months for a different appointment), instead of being told there's no delay so you can't go out and get some air or something to eat. The nature of hospitals IS that unexpected emergencies etc. crop up, but this usually shouldn't have any effect on routine outpatient clinics.

I think the NHS's attitude needs to change. The 'what are you moaning for it's free' is not an excuse for providing a sub-standard service which we DO pay for.

I accept if I go to A&E, I'm in for a long wait. I also accept I'm in for a wait when I go to outpatient clinics, but waits of almost 2 hours every time I attend, with NO warning when I book in, is unacceptable. I usually go shortly before lunchtime, and end up not having anything to eat until late afternoon when I could nip to the canteen right next door if I was warned of a wait. When I finally do get to see a doctor, they are usually incredibly rude and not the person I've been told I'm seeing (I've never even seen my consultant, don't even know what he looks like).

I don't think anyone's time is more important than anyone elses, and I accept a moderate wait. I do however think that 2 hours is excessive and you should be informed they are behind and be given the option to rebook (without having to wait 3 months for a different appointment), instead of being told there's no delay so you can't go out and get some air or something to eat. The nature of hospitals IS that unexpected emergencies etc. crop up, but this usually shouldn't have any effect on routine outpatient clinics.

Why not ask when you book in? Or if your sat there a while go back up and ask and inform them that your popping to the canteen if there is a delay.

I've been in hospital a fair bit and the waiting times have varied. Yes it is frustrating at the outpatients clinic but as others have already mentioned on here it's just to be expected so I always go prepared.

There have been times that I have been seen very quickly and have also been very impressed with the service. I do believe everyone should cut the guys some slack. I'm sure we've all been in a position where we've been unable to keep on time whether it be meeting friends, serving customers at work...etc...etc...

Why not ask when you book in? Or if your sat there a while go back up and ask and inform them that your popping to the canteen if there is a delay.


If you do that and your name gets called, you lose your slot and get seen at the very end of the clinic. The fact you told them you were going to the canteen for five minutes, won't help you.

Why not ask when you book in? Or if your sat there a while go back up and ask and inform them that your popping to the canteen if there is a delay.

I've been in hospital a fair bit and the waiting times have varied. Yes it is frustrating at the outpatients clinic but as others have already mentioned on here it's just to be expected so I always go prepared.

There have been times that I have been seen very quickly and have also been very impressed with the service. I do believe everyone should cut the guys some slack. I'm sure we've all been in a position where we've been unable to keep on time whether it be meeting friends, serving customers at work...etc...etc...
I always ask when I book in and always get told there is a light delay but I shouldn't be waiting more than 20 minutes.

I'm always prepared for a wait of an hour or so on top of my appointments, but 2 hours is excessive. I would cut the guys some slack, but that's if it happens on the odd occasion, not EVERY appointment without fail. As Heyesey says, if you do pop out to get some air or something to eat and your name is unexpectedly called, that's it you've missed your slot.

I would also be a lot better natured about the NHS if I actually got to see my consultant, instead of having to see a junior doctor who keeps suggesting taking me off my medication (which could kill me), denies I have my condition (previously diagnosed by a consultant at another hospital), clearly hasn't read my notes and totally bungles a basic examination.

I've never had an appointment recently where I've had to wait long at the hospital, they've been pretty efficient and I was seriously impressed withe the staff and consultant at the eye clinic. Guess I've been lucky! However having once been left strapped to a gurney in a corridor in A&E, under blinding bright lights, with multiple injuries, for almost 12 hours, I think I've learned what a long wait really feels like. :mad:

Anyway, I always take a snack and a drink, plus mp3 player, if I'm suspicious I might be hanging about. And I don't book in anything else soon afterwards. Be prepared. :thumbsup:

I visit three different consultants on a regular basis some times they are on time sometimes they run late due to emergencies which i can understand if there is a delay I usually read a paper or go for a coffee.
I also wonder if sometimes they overbook to allow for the idiots who make appointments and then dont turn up. I also appreciate that the doctors need to be very thorough in their work and sometimes this takes longer than expected.

I think the NHS's attitude needs to change. The 'what are you moaning for it's free' is not an excuse for providing a sub-standard service which we DO pay for.

I accept if I go to A&E, I'm in for a long wait. I also accept I'm in for a wait when I go to outpatient clinics, but waits of almost 2 hours every time I attend, with NO warning when I book in, is unacceptable. I usually go shortly before lunchtime, and end up not having anything to eat until late afternoon when I could nip to the canteen right next door if I was warned of a wait. When I finally do get to see a doctor, they are usually incredibly rude and not the person I've been told I'm seeing (I've never even seen my consultant, don't even know what he looks like).

I don't think anyone's time is more important than anyone elses, and I accept a moderate wait. I do however think that 2 hours is excessive and you should be informed they are behind and be given the option to rebook (without having to wait 3 months for a different appointment), instead of being told there's no delay so you can't go out and get some air or something to eat. The nature of hospitals IS that unexpected emergencies etc. crop up, but this usually shouldn't have any effect on routine outpatient clinics.
Sorry to contradict but unexpected emergencies DO have an impact on the out patient clinics ! Doctors may be assigned to cover a clinic but may be called away if there is an acutely ill patient on the ward, coronary care or in A and E! A senior opinion or input may be required and senior doctors will have to leave clinic ! If it was you or your loved one in a critical condition I doubt you would give people waiting in the clinic a second thought - be honest ! Ok, the system is wrong and there are not enough doctors and never will be until we pay more into the NHS and provide more staff and better facilities. It is a sad reflection on society today when those well enough to attend hospital as an out patient think they should take priority over an acutely ill patient ! It is the nature of the place that unexpected emergencies will occur and we should maybe think - 'there but the grace of God go I'! My advice is take a chill pill and a good book and thank your lucky stars that it isn't you that the doctors are working on that day ! And as for the time wasters who fail to turn up for appointments - well, don't get me started on that one !....

Sorry to contradict but unexpected emergencies DO have an impact on the out patient clinics ! Doctors may be assigned to cover a clinic but may be called away if there is an acutely ill patient on the ward, coronary care or in A and E! A senior opinion or input may be required and senior doctors will have to leave clinic ! If it was you or your loved one in a critical condition I doubt you would give people waiting in the clinic a second thought - be honest ! Ok, the system is wrong and there are not enough doctors and never will be until we pay more into the NHS and provide more staff and better facilities. It is a sad reflection on society today when those well enough to attend hospital as an out patient think they should take priority over an acutely ill patient ! It is the nature of the place that unexpected emergencies will occur and we should maybe think - 'there but the grace of God go I'! My advice is take a chill pill and a good book and thank your lucky stars that it isn't you that the doctors are working on that day ! And as for the time wasters who fail to turn up for appointments - well, don't get me started on that one !....

I was thinking exactly the same thing when reading this thread yesterday. :( I'm sure the people concerned didn't mean it like that - I'm sure in reality they wouldn't mind waiting if they knew their doctor was attending to an emergency case - but a little more awareness/gratitude that they were the lucky ones, being out-patients rather than an emergency, would have been thoughtful.

StarSparkle

I agree it would be helpful, though, if the admin staff kept waiting out-patients more informed of delays - possibly even mentioning to them if there was an emergency requiring their doctor's presence elsewhere.

Sorry to contradict but unexpected emergencies DO have an impact on the out patient clinics ! Doctors may be assigned to cover a clinic but may be called away if there is an acutely ill patient on the ward, coronary care or in A and E! A senior opinion or input may be required and senior doctors will have to leave clinic ! If it was you or your loved one in a critical condition I doubt you would give people waiting in the clinic a second thought - be honest ! Ok, the system is wrong and there are not enough doctors and never will be until we pay more into the NHS and provide more staff and better facilities. It is a sad reflection on society today when those well enough to attend hospital as an out patient think they should take priority over an acutely ill patient ! It is the nature of the place that unexpected emergencies will occur and we should maybe think - 'there but the grace of God go I'! My advice is take a chill pill and a good book and thank your lucky stars that it isn't you that the doctors are working on that day ! And as for the time wasters who fail to turn up for appointments - well, don't get me started on that one !....

Oh I absolutely think outpatients should never take priority over those who are acutely ill. But again, your comment about senior doctors offering opinions - I have never seen a senior doctor running a clinic. I agree I shouldn't have to take up their time every time I visit, but it doesn't give a very good impression when you get a totally incompetent junior doctor who hasn't listened to a word you say. I know from having worked in a hospital that eventually all his notes will be passed on to the consultant and will be reviewed, but most people don't and it won't instill much faith in the system. I also don't think he wrote down half of the information I gave him, and his examination was totally bodged, which a consultant can't tell from never having been there.

I agree it would be helpful, though, if the admin staff kept waiting out-patients more informed of delays - possibly even mentioning to them if there was an emergency requiring their doctor's presence elsewhere

This is all I ask (apart from wanting to see my consultant). I accept there are unforseen circumstances and emergencies, but would like to be informed if there is a long wait. I also do think though that there is an underlying problem with booking which has nothing to do with the front line staff, as problems are so consistent.

I can't say I will ever consider myself lucky for being unwell and having to attend a hospital regularly, but have an absolute appreciation that there are people far sicker than me.

Ok, the system is wrong and there are not enough doctors and never will be until we pay more into the NHS and provide more staff and better facilities.


Actually, if we paid the entire Gross National Product into the NHS, it still wouldn't fix the system and it still wouldn't be enough money. That's why the NHS needs abolishing and a whole new system putting into place.

Actually, if we paid the entire Gross National Product into the NHS, it still wouldn't fix the system and it still wouldn't be enough money. That's why the NHS needs abolishing and a whole new system putting into place.

Can I be the first to say I don`t agree with that.

Can I be the first to say I don`t agree with that.


You can disagree with 2+2 equalling four as well if you want to, but you'll still be wrong.

The reason for long waits in out patients is due to several factors.
1. for many years people have not bothered to turn up for appointments - i think the official figure is somewhere around 40% are non attenders ... in reality its much higher probably around 55%. In the last year or two there has been a big media frenzy aobut the millions of nhs money wasted by this, so i think the system is in the process of being reviewed. But for the last 15 years or so, some appointments in some OP clinics have been double booked, just because of the sheer number of people who dont turn up...if 2 people are booked in to each 30 minute slot, by averages only one person will turn up. Obviously this runs into problems when people DO all turn up ... and you get a knock on effect of people having to wait.
2. consultations can run longer than the allotted time. You cant tell someone their histology report is malignant then boot them out the door cos your next patient is due in 5 minutes...some do run over their allotted time, and this causes delays.
3. staff sickness - you only need one nurse or doctor to be off and the rest of the clinic has to play catch up... doctors and nurses are only human - we pick up flu bugs and cold bugs and stomach bugs just like any one else!
There is always the problem too that the doctor who is doing the clinic has had to attend an emmergency - they may be delayed because of this. NHS patient time and private work is quite strictly controlled ... consultants dont just swan off to see their private patients when they want. beleive it or not there are many consultants in the nhs who dont beleive in the ethics of doing private work and would be more than happy to report their colleagues who crossed the line. I have worked with lots of consultants who do private work, and their nhs work comes first every time. many are around the nhs 18+ hours a day, 7 days a week ... just cos you dont see them doesnt mean they are seeing thier private patients.
4. Patients not reading their letters properly - many clinics ask for a list of medication to be brought in - when patients dont, it can take up to 10 minutes just to find out what tablets the patient is on. Same with urine samples ... the number of people who dont bring them when requested is amusing to say the least. the pt then has to trot off to the loo to 'do' a sample ... causes delays.
5. last but not least - inefficiency; patients get appointments booked and for some reason dont flag up on the system - probably due to a booking error or booking by someone not supposed to do them. patients notes go missing cos they are improperly traced ... or docs wander off with them and they turn up 2 weeks later in xray (for eg). Years ago appointments used to be made by the receptionist in the clinic using a big book - she knew who was coming to see whom, and when - now its all computerised and can be done by anyone who has done the course - errors do happen.

so, really its part patient, part system problem ... just go prepared for a wait and remember that your delay may be due to someone getting bad news.

Come on people, the ones who are arguing that they have other appointments.
If you have an appointment at the hospital, you book the day off, or at least give a few hours extra.

Its quite simple, your going to an appointment that you must be aware that there is a possible/likely/probable delay, hospitals are busy places, and thats that. I think its simple mathmatics.

Just like aeroplanes, taxis, buses, trains etc etc overbooking is common place, due to the reasons posted earlier by samsmum, about people not turning up etc

ash

Actually, if we paid the entire Gross National Product into the NHS, it still wouldn't fix the system and it still wouldn't be enough money. That's why the NHS needs abolishing and a whole new system putting into place.
What 'whole new system' would you suggest then ? You can't make such a sweeping statement without qualifying it !

Actually, if we paid the entire Gross National Product into the NHS, it still wouldn't fix the system and it still wouldn't be enough money. That's why the NHS needs abolishing and a whole new system putting into place.

The reasons I disagree with that are not really valid on this subject. I simply made my position clear so others don`t think I`m "anti-NHS"

The reasons I disagree with that are not really valid on this subject. I simply made my position clear so others don`t think I`m "anti-NHS"

Well, nor am I, but there's an infinite demand for the thing, and we can't supply it.

The reason for long waits in out patients is due to several factors.
1. for many years people have not bothered to turn up for appointments - i think the official figure is somewhere around 40% are non attenders ... in reality its much higher probably around 55%. In the last year or two there has been a big media frenzy aobut the millions of nhs money wasted by this, so i think the system is in the process of being reviewed. But for the last 15 years or so, some appointments in some OP clinics have been double booked, just because of the sheer number of people who dont turn up...if 2 people are booked in to each 30 minute slot, by averages only one person will turn up. Obviously this runs into problems when people DO all turn up ... and you get a knock on effect of people having to wait.
Very true. The only thing that will put a stop to this is charging people, say, £20 for appointments, and refunding it if they turn up.

2. consultations can run longer than the allotted time. You cant tell someone their histology report is malignant then boot them out the door cos your next patient is due in 5 minutes...some do run over their allotted time, and this causes delays.
Again true. In the long run though, if this happens a LOT, it means you're not allotting enough time in the first place. The reason you're not doing that is down to lack of funding and not enough doctors and nurses, of course.
3. staff sickness - you only need one nurse or doctor to be off and the rest of the clinic has to play catch up... doctors and nurses are only human - we pick up flu bugs and cold bugs and stomach bugs just like any one else!
And this is why any good business will have people on-call, ready to cover for the sick and otherwise unavailable. The NHS doesn't - see comment early about lack of funding and not enough doctors, nurses etc.

4. Patients not reading their letters properly - many clinics ask for a list of medication to be brought in - when patients dont, it can take up to 10 minutes just to find out what tablets the patient is on. Same with urine samples ... the number of people who dont bring them when requested is amusing to say the least. the pt then has to trot off to the loo to 'do' a sample ... causes delays.[quote]

I don't think there's a lot we can do about goddam bloody stupid people, sadly :(

[quote]5. last but not least - inefficiency; patients get appointments booked and for some reason dont flag up on the system - probably due to a booking error or booking by someone not supposed to do them. patients notes go missing cos they are improperly traced ... or docs wander off with them and they turn up 2 weeks later in xray
This is most people's major bugbear, and it really is unforgivable. However, it doesn't account for all, or even most, of the delays to appointments, but it gets pretty much all of the blame.

"Quote:
2. consultations can run longer than the allotted time. You cant tell someone their histology report is malignant then boot them out the door cos your next patient is due in 5 minutes...some do run over their allotted time, and this causes delays.
Again true. In the long run though, if this happens a LOT, it means you're not allotting enough time in the first place. The reason you're not doing that is down to lack of funding and not enough doctors and nurses, of course."

Part of the problem here is that the appointments aren't booked by the medical staff but by admin staff so they have no idea how if a patient needs extra time allocated to them. Apparently its the same for day surgery lists. I know surgeons who have lists lasting anywhere from an hour (i.e. finishing early) to 5 (ie running late).

ive got to go into hospital on wednesday, appointment time says 2-3 hours, but ive got a feeling its gonna be a lot longer than that :(

I doubt throwing money at the NHS will really resolve the issue. It's like widening motorways; it works for a short time then the whole cycle starts again.

As for waiting - in many hospital visits you're actually booked in to a 'clinic' rather than an individual appointment slot. I've recently attended a clinic for my knee and was in and out very quickly on every occasion...within the restrictions applied by my knee, of course. :)

Having said that, I've attended other clinics and waited for an hour or two. My approach now is to literally take the day off. And as I'm self employed, and as such don't get holiday pay or sick pay, it's a financial hit I'm not 100% happy with but value my health more than my time in these situations.

I went to the hospital for an appointment at two, a few weeks ago.

I had previous experiences as to those mentioned here so I took a book with me.

I sat in the waiting room, happily reading my book. I finished the book at four and realised that I was alone in the waiting room, I went to ask the receptionist when I would be seen by the doctor.

She was gobsmacked and full of apologies as she told me that the doctor had left. They hadnt called my name or anything, they had just overlooked me.

So my advice is don't sit too quietly as you may be overlooked :|

I`ve just had to go back to a hospital appointment and despite being the first booked slot in the morning and being one of the first to turn up we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and..... well you get the idea....

I noted what was said earlier which implied we should be grateful for our treatment, and anyone with half a brain is exceptionally so, but there is also an implication there that we`re somehow getting this treatment for free and therefore we should put up with any waiting around. The fact is that all of us (other than the tax parasites, "hundred quid for cash mate") are paying for it.

So come on NHS, our time is not completely worthless, surely there has got to be a better way of booking in appointments......

I have not read all the posts in this thread so excuse me if this as already been covered.
A couple of years ago I was taken ill in Benidorm the ambulance took me to the hospital and within the space of half hour I had seen the doctors and was back on the street and back to my hotel.

I was asked to return the following day for medication (injection) which I did I presented myself at the desk at the time of the appoinment and was immeditely shown into a cubilcle and the injection was administered less than
five mins from going in to coming out. this happen three times and it was the same time scale each time.
if this can happen there why does it always take so long in sheffield I suggest they take a look at the spanish system.
IF IT HAD HAPPENED IN SHEFFIELD IT WOUL HAVE BEEN A FOUR OR FIVE HOUR WAIT JUST TO GET SEEN. and by the way the hospitals were spotless