High Phone Charges for NHS Access (Stockton Liberal Democrats)

Stockton Liberal Democrats <info@stocktonlibdems.org.uk>

High Phone Charges for NHS Access

December 17, 2008 10:49 PM

Commenting on the announcement by The Department of Health yesterday of a 3 month consultation on the use of expensive 084 telephone numbers in the NHS, Liberal Democrat Councillor Julia Cherrett said:

"These telephone numbers are more expensive than the equivalent call to a local rate landline number and it's the caller who pays that cost.

"I welcome the fact that University Hospital of North Tees recently abandoned the use of such numbers.

"There has already been an on-line petition covering the use of these numbers by GPs. This consultation will look at all NHS services but surely the 28,583 signatures to the e-petition shows people's views about these numbers. Spending 3 months consulting on whether the NHS should be "free at the point of need" is a pointless waste of time and money. The Department of Health made it clear 3 years ago that it is wrong for doctors to use premium rate telephone numbers. It is not acceptable that it is still happening".

"I urge everyone to make their voice heard on this - get in touch if you would like help with putting your views forward"

The consultation document is available via GP surgeries or online at:

www.dh.gov.uk/en/consultations/Liveconsultations/index.htm