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"Putting the wrong type of person on switchboards"

About: Southampton General Hospital

I am having to make calls to Urology for my elderly mother, as she's profoundly deaf and cannot use a phone, nor does she do anything online from fear of being scammed by fake links and url's.

On ringing the urology appointments line I am answered by a person of foreign language, who isn't capable of spell the most basic of english names and addresses.

Despite 2 calls and going online on-behalf of my mother to change an unsuitable appointment it appears nothing has happened, and she's till got the first un-useable appointment she cannot get there for....

The hospital needs to employ foreign people Yes! But to have someone answering the phone who cannot spell properly, doesn't understand what is said to them in english, just needs to change it is not even slightly suitable.

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Responses

Response from Debbie Watson, Head of Patient and Family Relations, Patient Experience, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust 3 months ago
Debbie Watson
Head of Patient and Family Relations, Patient Experience,
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 13/03/2025 at 11:55
Published on Care Opinion at 11:55


I am sorry that you have experiences difficulty with communication when contacting the hospital by telephone

As you may be aware the Trust staff represent a wealth of countries of origin.

Please be assured that all Trust staff have a good standard of English and have passed assessments to ensure that communication is appropriate, whether that is written or spoken.

If you still require help please do contact PALS (with your mother's consent) and they will try and assist you further 023 8120 6325.

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