Basildon Hospital introduces new 0800 number

Date: 23/08/2011

A new 0800 number has been introduced to offer support to patients of Basildon Hospital.

Many people living in Basildon and Thurrock currently have to wait more than 18 weeks for a consultation appointment for non-urgent treatments, the Thurrock Gazette reports.

As a result, the health centre has introduced a new telephone support service, which is open from Monday to Friday during the hours of 08:30 and 16:30.

Additional operating sessions and clinics are also being established to ease the waiting list, while some patients will receive treatment at other sites.

Chief executive of Basildon Hospital Alan Whittle said: "Plans are in place to see those who have been waiting the longest as rapidly as possible, while not making others wait longer as a result."

Earlier this month, Royal Berkshire Hospital announced that it was extending the opening times of its contact centre after technical issues meant some patients were unable to make appointments online, the Reading Chronicle reported.