Token Queue
The token-queue module gives every patient a fair place in the line and gives every counter a clear "who is next" answer.
The token
Every patient who reports at the front desk is issued a token. The token carries:
- A short, human-readable number (e.g.
OP-A-024). - The counter or doctor it is queued for.
- A timestamp.
- The estimated wait, computed from the active queue.
The token prints on a small thermal slip; the patient can also receive it as an SMS with a link.
The corridor display
A full-screen URL designed for a TV or large monitor in the waiting area. It shows:
- The currently-being-seen tokens for every counter.
- The next 3 tokens in line.
- A scrolling banner for hospital announcements (configurable).
Counters and queues
Every counter (OP-A, OP-B, Lab, Pharmacy, Billing) has its own queue. Patients can be queued at multiple counters simultaneously (e.g. lab sample then pharmacy).
Calling the next patient
Inside the consulting room, the doctor clicks Next Patient. The token board updates instantly across every screen. If a patient is a no-show, the doctor clicks Skip; the token moves to the back of the queue or is marked absent after two skips.
Priority and emergencies
Reception can mark a patient Priority (elderly, pregnant, emergency). Priority tokens jump the line on the corridor display with a visual marker.
Reports
Reports → Token Queue gives:
- Average wait time per counter.
- Peak hour analysis.
- No-show vs skip rates.