Delayed flow of patients in a Black hospital

Two hundred consecutive patients who were discharged from a ward in a Black hospital were studied with reference to delay of flow through a system. Problems are discussed, e.g. that of the young patient, admitted at night, who awaits radiography and investigations. Because he is unable to give consent, he must wait for an operation until appropriate staff and consent are available. He recovers, may have to wait for a surgical appliance, is discharged and may then have to wait several more days before relatives collect him. The unique problems in Black hospitals can be alleviated, inter alia, by departmental admission protocols, outpatient liaison education officers, more even distribution of medical manpower, improved hospital transport systems and overnight stay wards incorporated in a more active outpatient system to replace the present sorting system.