HOSPITAL managers have complained to internet search engine Google after hundreds of patients were given the wrong number for its switchboard.

Up to 25 patients a day have been mistakenly calling the Royal Bolton Hospital's day unit, which carries out minor operations, after being given its number online by searching Google for "Bolton hospital".

Hospital bosses say this is leaving many patients frustrated and preventing vital calls from getting through to the day unit.

Head of communications Heather Edwards said: "We would like to apologise to members of the public who have been getting this wrong number.

"We are doing everything we can to get Google to change it.

"Our day unit staff are also getting upset because it's blocking important calls."

A Google spokesman said: "We get our data from the Thomson telephone directory. The hospital can contact us and we can help them make the changes."

The correct number for the switchboard is 01204 390 390.