title: Implementing an appointment-based system in A&E to ensure appropriate use of services.
abstract: This article describes how an appointment-based system was introduced at an ophthalmic A&E department, and why it was felt necessary to implement this change. The changes have prevented needless trips to the unit and patient feedback has been positive.
authors.affiliation: Bournemouth Eye Unit.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tillotson
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009740:Nursing Staff; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000379:methods*; D009907:Optometry; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations