Both GP and Pulse report the findings of the enquiry into ADOC in
slight detail.
One suggests that there was a recommendation to change the telephone
technology used by the co-op, the other states the telephone systems
were good.
DO we have any information on what changes were suggested?
My view is that mechanical answering machines are components liable to
fail, and therefore running as few as possible and placing those in a
single location where they can be monitored, observed, reset during out
of hours time is a good idea.
Star service diversion of calls from practices by contrast is a
reliable technology.
So I think the appropriate solution is star diversion to Co-op
answering system
answering system gives message - " the surgery you called is closed, if
it is an emergency wait a few seconds to be connected to an
operator".... and then connects.
Monitoring the numbers calling would be a good idea as well.
For most practices the cost of diverted calls at 10p each is hardly
going to make a dent, indeed it may be cheaper than the wear and tear
on answering machines.
And for patients it represents an improved service.
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