A GP surgery has upgraded its phone line after receiving an 'unprecedented number of calls'.

Royal Manor Healthcare on Portland has upgraded its phone lines following feedback from patients.

The practice hopes that the new phone system will be a big improvement. Patients will still call the surgery on the same phone number.

The new phone line aims to allow patients to choose options that streamline their call, choose to have a call-back and know their place in the queue.

Emma Smailes, Practice Manager said: “We have been experiencing unprecedented numbers of calls to the practice, we are busier than ever.

“We have been listening to the concerns of our patients who phone into the practice. Taking their feedback on board, we have decided to install a new phone system.

“We encourage people who can access the internet to visit our website and use EConsult, our online booking form. This is often the quickest way to book an appointment and frees up the phone line for those patients who cannot get onto the website.

“Patients can also find us on Facebook for up-to-date information.”