"Post inpatient outcomes."

In my opinion, and experience, the general situation for outpatients could be a lot better.

Some clinics have apparently been over booked with appointments, causing considerable delays in patients being seen for their consultation. Often such an appointment will only take a few minutes, this leaves the patient with a "what a waste of time" impression.

There have been occasions when a doctor has not been available, and the patients have not been informed of this for a long time, the expressions of disbelief are unprintable.

Occasionally, a patient will attend an appointment, only to be told that this was a mistake and offered a later appointment.

This is very disruptive.

Time, and expense, has been expended to no avail, often other commitments, or family concerns, have had to be put-on hold, and similar arrangements are needed for the further appointment.

It is most frustrating.

Sometimes, on having been discharged as an outpatient, a patient's discharge will stipulate a follow-up appointment, possibly 6 to 8 weeks.

This is apparently never adhered to.

Often the appointment will be given in several months time.

Meantime, the patient may be under restricted lifestyle, and uncertainty.