Estimating the population incidence of adult post‐intubation laryngotracheal stenosis

(33) and 9% (37) during spring, summer, autumn and winter respectively. Our audit did show a specific trend of non-attenders with respect to seasonal changes. The spring had least non-attenders compared with other seasons. Males accounted for more compared with females, except in winter. The paediatric age group and middle aged (35– 49 years) accounted for >50% of non-attenders. Children, following grommet insertion, were the most likely patients to default. Of 32 recurrent non-attenders, 16 (50%) were suffering from ear problems. The most frequent non-attenders during each season were those who had a prior appointment within 3 months. Our hospital policy is to send reminder letters only to those patients who are given appointments after 3 months. This could be a reason for high numbers of non-attenders among those who do not receive the reminder letter. The overall non-attendance rate was similar to the national average. Finding a satisfactory way to remind patients of their appointment would help in breaking the vicious cycle of non-attenders and the long waiting list. Patients who received reminder letters turned up promptly. Irrespective of the duration between the present and the next appointment, we recommend that all patients should be sent a reminder letter (or message in a different format) a week before the consultation is due. The overall effect would be efficient use of NHS resources and better patient care.