The aim of the work was to find out what the patients suffering from the arteriomatosis of the lower limb artery, think about the health care provided by the Outpatient Vascular Clinic (OVC) at the General Surgery Clinic of the Biziel Regional Hospital in Bydgoszcz.

From April to June 2002, 114 patients were questioned about their condition and feelings concerning their cooperation with the OVC. The patients were asked to fill in questionnaires. The results of the survey have been presented in the paper.

The analysis of the material collected shows that the fact of being an OVC patient gives the patients the feeling of security. However, the patients complain about the staff’s lack of interest in patients. It may result from the growing number of patients visiting the OVC and the Clinic’s inability to cope with this. At the same time, due to the patients’ low level of education and activity, they do not see the need of being better informed. They feel the information they are given is complete.

The patients declare that they would like to join a group of people suffering from the same illness and attend meetings of the group. Creation of such groups gives an opportunity for better health education and is cheaper than individual appointments with patients.

The conclusions of the survey will help to organize and improve the quality of health care provided to the group of patients suffering from arteriomatosis of the lower limb artery.