HIDD-64 Response Historic AI-assessed

Ensure emergency alert lines receive incoming calls only and are tested weekly

Recommendation

Hospitals shall ensure that emergency alert telephone lines receive incoming calls only and are tested weekly. Switchboard operators shall be fully trained in their use and procedure.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
No specific published evidence detailing actions taken by hospitals regarding emergency alert telephone lines, including ensuring incoming calls only, weekly testing, or comprehensive training for switchboard operators, has been identified in the provided official sources related to the Hidden Inquiry. Searches on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk for the inquiry name or specific recommendation elements did not return relevant documents.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 18 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Historic

No government response recorded.

Source
Report Hidden Inquiry — Final Report 27 Sep 1989
Recommendation age 36.5 yrs
Last formal update No formal updates