looking for an alternative for 08456024064 This is a call centre within the NHS and is the only way in to arrange a visit or call from District Nurses etc in our area. It is known as 'One Call' (covers other services as well as District Nurses, but always within Health
I don't have to call this often but each time last for several minutes and costs.

Good Afternoon,

Apologies no one has come back about this.

I have e-mailed the NHS Trust who runs this service to question their continued use of the 0845 number. I did try calling the number replacing the 8 with a 3 but it doesn't work.  :-[

I already tried using a 3 instead of an 8 but doesn't exist. I have even spoken to the District Nurses and they say that is the only means of contact. Cant even get an email out of them and calling the GP Surgery where ours are based just informs us to contact One Call.

Its a right pain in the rear having to pay for calls on top of a call package.

Usage of 084 numbers in the NHS was banned in December 2009.

This added to the earlier ban on 087 and 09 numbers that was put in place in 2005.

Not strictly true. The following was issued in February 2012.

The Department’s position on the use of 084 numbers has not changed since the response to the consultation in 2009. Persons should not be charged more to contact an NHS body or Primary Medical Service contractor, than they would if they were calling a geographic number in the same manner. NHS bodies and GP practices are still free to use 084 numbers, providing these conditions are met. As discussed, all Primary Medical Services contractors and NHS bodies must review their telephony arrangements to ensure that callers are not charged more than if they were calling an equivalent geographic number. If the use of an 084 number does not meet these conditions, then all reasonable steps must be taken as described above.

Yes, they are free to use 084 numbers - IF they do not cost more to call than calling 01, 02 and 03 numbers.

As 084 numbers DO cost more to call than 01, 02 and 03 numbers, 084 numbers cannot to be used.