WORCESTER'S new hospital has received a number of complaints from worried patients and visitors who are spending hours trying to get through to the switchboard, it has emerged.

Many have been making official complaints to bosses at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital about the telephone system, as they have been unable to check on the condition of loved ones or cancel appointments.

Hospital chiefs have said they are now planning on dealing with the problem, and said the delays had been caused by a number of factors.

More staff and consoles to add to the current four will be introduced "in the near future", according to a spokeswoman.

But she would not confirm how many complaints had been received since the opening of the hospital in March.

Problems with the switchboard have been highlighted in the past.

Worcester and District Community Health Council vice-chairman Pat Merrick confessed at the group's last meeting that she had spent around two hours trying to get through to cancel an appointment.

The group, which champions patients' rights, revealed it was concerned about the situation, and said the ability of people to be able to contact the hospital by telephone was "fundamental".

Janet-Marie Clark, spokeswoman for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said the situation was being dealt with.

"There are plans to double the capacity of the switchboard by 50 per cent in the near future," she said.

"Performance will be monitored and action will be taken as necessary.

"We are aware a recent internal organisation has meant an increase in calls to the switchboard.

"The Trust apologises for any stress caused to patients and relatives who have not received a prompt response to calls."