Memorable patients: Those who sit and wait

doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7309.362

BMJ 2001;323:362 ( 18 August )

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Memorable patients

Those who sit and wait

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

We have been fortunate as a family to have had little need for healthcare services in recent years. A few months ago, however,two members of the family were unwell within days of each other,and their differing experiences made me reflect that we have someway to go to achieve equity in the delivery of healthcare.

Lynne, my wife, had a persistent productive cough, fever, and malaise. On arrival at the surgery, a receptionist confirmedher appointment and pointed to the adjacent waiting room. Thebuzz of conversation within centred on the fuzzy summons thatwould occasionally crackle from the intercom. The younger patientswere intermittently able to catch the names broadcast and couldenlighten those who were anxious and perplexed. The atmosphereof uncertainty was heightened as, at intervals, frustrated patientssighed and returned to the lobby to seek assurance from the receptionistthat they had not . . . [Full text of this article]

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Law of supply and demand applies in NHS: Tim Heywood
BMJ 2001 323: 1370. [Extract] [Full Text]

This article has been cited by other articles:

Heywood, T. (2001). Law of supply and demand applies in NHS. BMJ 323: 1370-1370 [Full text]

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