"A very disappointing vist to an outpatients..."

What could be improved

My partner had an appointment for 9.30am on Monday 10th September at the orthopaedic out-patients department at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby.

She was there promptly at the appointed time and was instructed to have x rays, she returned from x ray department at 10am and did not see the consultant until turned 1pm.

During this time of over three hours waiting no one apologised on gave us any reason for the delay. There was an advertising screen which welcomed us to the department but did not inform us of any waiting time. The only notice was one advising patients that there my be delays in seeing the consultant but to please be "patient".

It would have been appreciated of someone could have kept us informed of the reason for the delay.

Subsequentely we found out that of the three patients who had been waiting this considerable time all had appointments for the same time 9.30am!!!

While it is understandable that delays are sometimes unavoidable it seems that the administration system in this department needs a radical overhaul!

As it turned out my partner was very wary of leaving the department for much needed refreshment is case she was called duiring her absence.

I feel that a wait of 3 hours in a rather uncomfortable environment wthout explanation is excessive and standards are certainly in need of a review.

My partner and I hope that standards can be improved before our next visit