Abstract: A voice messaging system sends a notification to a receiving unit that a message has been recorded and immediate attention is required for the proper person to listen to the message. Upon listening to the message a return notification may be sent to the unit from which the message originated to alert the sender that the message has been heard, and optionally that the listener has a return message. Additionally, the voice messaging system can provide patient status information (e.g., condition, course of treatment) telephonically in a confidential manner to a loved one. The system can also provide after-care information to a patient after hospital discharge.