"contacting by phone"

I have found, over many years, that St. James' audiology department seems very reluctant to answer the phone - it just rings and rings until, after about 10 minutes, there's an automated message which says "try later". This department needs a real wake-up call. Previously, just to get a properly fitting hearing aid tube for my digital aid, I had about 10- -yes 10, visits to them (very inconvenient for my location)and still didn't succeed. I just gave up but today in the belief that I needed a revision setting for the aids, as I'm having difficulty hearing clearly, I phoned the department but could not get an answer. I then requested to speak to the complaints department, spoke to someone there, who took my name and phone number and said would investigate. They put me through to the LGI !

There is clearly an urgent need to instruct staff in that department to answer the phone. (perhaps they need hearing aids). Finally got through to St. James audiology - they said they were "very busy."

I realise that the NHS is under staffing pressure but this problem is historical and should be addressed. Sincerely, Stanley.