Staffing issues causing problems with Altnagelvin's call-handling service
Switchboard staff are prioritising clinically urgent internal calls followed by external calls
Altnagelvin Hospital is currently having issues with its call-handling service.
In a post on social media, the hospital has blamed the issue on staffing pressures.
“Due to temporary staffing pressures, we are currently having issues with our Switchboard (call-handling) service at Altnagelvin Hospital,” read a post on Facebook.
“Our Switchboard staff are prioritising clinically urgent internal calls followed by external calls at present. This will delay staff answering calls from the general public.
“We understand this can be frustrating and we are putting immediate arrangements in place to support and sustain this service over the weekend period.
“If you are calling the general hospital number, there may be a delay to your call being answered. Please only call the general hospital number for urgent / essential matters. If you have a direct dial telephone number for a ward or department please use this to avoid delays.
“We greatly appreciate your patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”