Our surgery has changed to an 0844 number which must be one of the meanest moves they could make. I understand  it is in contravention of DH guidelines and would appreciate confirmation of this.

If the practice were to continue with this number it would indeed be in breach of its NHS contract.

I understand that this has been, belatedly, recognised and the arrangement is under review.

I am told that limited remedial measures have been put in place to allow access to the surgeries on temporary geographic numbers (albeit not fully satisfactory) whilst the situation is being resolved.

Given that the practice is making a genuine effort to correct the situation, I suggest that we offer our full support.

Google lists +44 191 388 4857, but that might not be current.