12 May 2023
Unfortunately we continue to experience issues with these patients arriving late for their appointments, and in turn impacting all patient bookings thereafter.
Therefore, the following process will need to be arranged for all these appointments. They need to be given an arrival time of 20mins prior to the actual appointment time and advised that they will need to arrive on time for their appointment (i.e. the 20mins prior to appointment time – this time is also part of their appointment time as it allows us to take details down and chase up any information that is required) – if they are not on time they may need to be rescheduled. Please advise the patient to expect to be at the practice for approximately 1 hour. (This will take into account them arriving 20mins prior their appointment as well as the scan itself).
We have given prior examples of appointment being similar to catching a flight – you don’t turn up late or without enough time to go through the checking-in and boarding process – if you don’t allow enough time to do this, you’re going to miss the flight. It’s a similar thing with our appointments, we need patients here prior to their appointment to allow for the check in process and ensure their onboarding i.e. referral details, Medicare etc. are all correct prior to the appointment time so that all is good to go at appointment time. Of course there may be delays due to the prior patient requiring additional imaging etc. – same as on a flight – there may be delays but ultimately if check-in is closed – it doesn’t matter if there are delays – because if you’re late and you’ve missed check-in then you won’t be able to get on the flight! We need to be considerate to all patients and staff and make every attempt to run to time.
