"Unable to contact ward"

I have recently had a parent in ward 8A at the Queen Elizabeth Glasgow for 2 weeks. I have to say contacting the ward has been almost impossible which has lead to worry and frustration on my part. I had no idea if my parent was well or progressing or deteriorating. Most occasions when I called the phone simply rang out unanswered and then cut off, meaning I had to call again. It could take up to 12 attempts of this to get through. I often counted them.

Other times, the phone was engaged for long periods. This could happen at any time of day, even weekday periods where there should be a ward clerk on duty at the desk. I received no progress reports about my parent. The only time the ward proactively contacted me was when they were sending my frail parent home, following no discussion with family. I have to say, being unable to contact the ward easily is downright dangerous and something should be done by management about this.