"It would be better if patients were informed of any delays"

During my visit to the out patients department with a friend, we waited for over one hour past the appointment time. This is often unavoidable, but it would be better if the patients were kept informed of any delays. Sitting and waiting can be very boring and especially if there are children involved, by letting the patients and their friends and carers know the amout of time the clinic is running late it would at least allow them to go for a coffee and keep themselves occupied instead of sitting worrying. Some hospitals already employ this system .