Why does the lab need a telephone?

Lab results play an important role in diagnosing and managing a patient.

Sometimes, results are needed as fast as possible to decide on the treatment of a patient.

Most of the time, we trace the results through the computer (in wards where they are available or downstairs at the lab itself). Sometimes, however, we have to call the lab, eg when we are in a hurry (as not all the wards has this tracing facility) or when the system is down.

Most of the time, when you call the lab, either the call goes unasnwered or it is engaged.

This is what I saw when I went down to the lab today.

In case you can't see it clearly, I've zoomed in the photo for you.

And this isn't the first time that I've seen the phone like this..