CHC to upgrade telephone system

In a bid to serve the public and respond immediately to any emergency, the Department of Public Health yesterday disclosed plans to upgrade its telephone system.

Acting Health Secretary Ned Arriola explained that on Feb. 2 at 10:00pm until 10:00am of the following day, staff of telecommunications company Verizon will start upgrading the hospital’s telephone system.

This is to effectively assist the public who will be needing the assistance of the hospital anytime of the day, he said.

At present, the acting secretary said problems are piling up due to calls on hold, unnecessary phone calls and overloaded and busy lines.

Mr. Arriola said these are giving the hospital staff and the public a difficult time to reach medical practitioners especially during an emergency.

By upgrading the telephone system of the CHC, the public will be assured of immediate assistance and problems will be addressed the soonest possible time.

In addition to this, Mr. Arriola assured that additional lines will be put up to remedy the problem. He said the project is necessary to effectively serve the public sector adding that to expedite the upgrading, DPH is seeking the cooperation of the general public to limit their calls or call in only for emergency purposes.