Counting in a column (this is a tough one)

So I have an annoying dataset to work with. The first column contains ID#, string, string, string, ID#, string, string, string, string, ID#, string, and so on. It is basically a list of patient numbers with a list of their appointments listed underneath them. I need to find a way to count up the number of strings for each patient, like shown below:

Patient#	Count
101	2
Had an appointment
Had an appointment
Deleted-Had an appointment
202	1
Had an appointment
303	1
Deleted - Had an appointment
Had an appointment

The format isn't too important. The data I have is basically column A, and I want to create column B. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT: Sorry for cross-posting ( http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/excel-q...tough-one.html ) There is a different solution (not fully solved yet though) in that thread if you're interested.