A NEW phone number for hospitals in Southampton is sparking confusion among patients.

Rather than ringing the new number for Southampton General Hospital and the Princess Anne Hospital, patients are mixing the old and new numbers, resulting in them getting through to local households and businesses.

Although the main switchboard number remains the same, all direct dial phone numbers for the two hospitals now begin with 023 8120 and hospital bosses are urging patients to take care when they dial.

Adrian Byrne, director of information management and technology at UHS, said: “We want to do everything possible to stop this happening for all concerned and would appeal for anyone ringing a department or individual at the hospital to ensure they use the new number and do not mix it up.

“We are grateful to members of the public who have contacted us about this issue and apologise for any inconvenience they have experienced as a result.”