"Dedicated Relatives Phone-line"

My experience of the dedicated secure Relative/Carer Information Phone-line at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, set up under COVID conditions, has been excellent. The service is manned by clinically knowledgeable nurses who are able to share information to a dedicated family member between 7.30am -7.30pm daily. Access is via the main hospital switchboard and the connect time is swift, with safeguarding passwords and procedures in place.

COVID restrictions mean having to understandably leave family members on their own in A&E, (in my case an 87 year old once I had registered them). The emergency situation was made so much more manageable for our family knowing we would be told up to date information by experts. I was phoned by the night surgical registrar who answered all my questions. The members of staff manning the service are approachable and training has obviously been of a high standard.

I would like to see the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust continue this service in the future and not just under COVID restrictions. It must also take some of the pressure from ward staff, and give them more time with the patients.

I feel this is a system that could be rolled out nationally to all hospitals and would greatly benefit all stakeholders.

My family are deeply appreciative to the HRI staff for their superb care, provision and excellent communication under very challenging circumstances.