Free telephone help points cited by Care Quality Commission reports of UK Hospitals & NHS Trusts

Free telephone help points connecting hospital patients and visitors with local and support services have been cited in reports by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

The help points, which are installed and managed by Infopoint, provide a free and convenient service within hospitals, GP practices and other health care service premises.

The CQC report for Queen Elizabeth Woolwich stated: “The Main ED reception area had an information point where visitors could access information from various services via telephone. These included the patient advice liaison services (PALS), voluntary services, NHS Direct, blood and transplant and smoke free helpline.”

The NHS Inspection Report for Mid Essex Hospital Services said: “The reception areas were well equipped to provide food and drink as well as a dedicated phone line to enable patients to call a taxi service.’’

Sarah Bennison, Director at Infopoint, she said: “Both of these Trusts have Infopoint telephone systems in the main reception. These help points provide free and easy access to vital services including local taxi companies, public transport information and a range of other support services such as smoking cessation, Samaritans, Age Concern and more.

“As England’s only independent regulator of health and adult social care, the CQC is focused on making sure services are safe, effective and high quality across all aspects of the organisation and we are pleased see Infopoint’s services highlighted in recent reports.”