Health and Social Care said this change has been made to manage the volume of calls received by the hospital daily.

The new system will take callers through several options, directing their call to the relevant service area or department.

An HSC spokesperson said the system is very common.

"An IVR call flow is something that many islanders will be used to using as many businesses use this technology. Callers to any of the States of Guernsey COVID-19 or Vaccine call numbers will already have experienced a similar management system.

"01481 220000 is NOT an emergency number so this new system will not impact on calls to the emergency services."

Direct dial phone numbers included in correspondence from the hospital's admissions and appointments staff will continue to work.