I've taken a look at Mr xxx's email and understand most of his points, however, most of the pricing issues he has quoted are dependent on an individuals telephone line package, whether it be their home telephone line account or their mobile phone tariff. For example, Mr xxx quotes from the BT Choices discount package. As we've stated in our press release that we recognise that some people will pay more to call 0845 numbers and have done some investigation to assess the impact of this. There will be some people, outside of the local area who will pay less.

BT's current basic inland call price list (i.e. excluding any discount tariff plans) Section 2, Part 1 states that Local calls cost 4p per minute daytime/1p per minute evenings/weekends, National calls cost 8p per minute daytime/4p evenings/1.5p weekends. Local calls are defined as the local STD code (01752 for Plymouth) and its surrounding STD codes (01364-ASHBURTON, 01503-LOOE, 01548-KINGSBRIDGE, 01579-LISKEARD, 01822-TAVISTOCK). All other 01xxx & 02xxx calls are National calls. Section 2 Part 12 sub part 1 states that all 0845 calls are charged at the Local rate.

Section 2, part 1, sub part 6 states that BT's public payphone rates for 0845 calls are charged at the g5 rate (55 seconds per 10p), which equates to a call charge rate of 11p per minute. Obviously, some Hotel and other private payphone rates vary significantly and this may be what Mr xxx is referring to.

There are many mobile providers and networks, with numerous tariff plans and call rates. Vodafone have confirmed that their price plans charge the same for 0845 calls as for 01xxx and 02xxx, however this varies from 5p per minute upwards depending upon the specific price plan chosen by the individual.

Telewest, the supplier of the 0845 numbers, have confirmed that you can dial them from abroad. However, there may be some international destinations which apply some barring and again some international hotels and private payphone/phone systems may have introduced barring.

We have openly stated that we will receive income from 0845 calls, but this is not "just another money making scheme". The main point of the number change is to try to simplify and provide some consistency for the public when they contact us. As a current example, the Neuro Rehab service is about to move from the Rowans unit at Derriford on 01752 792088 to the newly refurbished Drake Unit at Mount Gould on 01752 434899. If we had the 0845 number in place, patients and relatives would not be inconvenienced by the number change. Changes to our services will continue in line with service improvements such as the LIFT projects, changes in the NHS generally and as we continue to introduce the new telephone system (01752 43xxxx) across the community. As such the 0845 number initiative will benefit the public in the longer term by providing continuity to the telephone numbers they contact us with. Additionally, again in the longer term, it will reduce the current confusion with our multiple number ranges in use, e.g. 01752 314xxx, 315xxx, 272xxx, 245xxx, 517xxx, 763xxx, 792xxx.

We are aware of the guidance issued from the Department of Health, OFCOM and other bodies on the use of non-geographic numbers, but can assure the public that the main reason for their introduction for Plymouth NHS services is related to the simplifying and continuity previously mentioned. Yes, we have openly stated that we will be receiving income from the 0845 calls, which will be used to reinvest in local NHS services, including the improvements and introduction of the new telephone system which would otherwise detract funding from front line NHS services.

The Trust considered using Freephone 0800 (which would have detracted funds from front line services), Lo-call 0845 (overall cost neutral), National 0870/1 and Premium Rate 09 numbers (which would have been income generating) to resolve the number complexity issue. The 0845 option was chosen as the most viable solution for Plymouth NHS, it's patients, their relatives, friends and our staff. This is in line with other NHS services such as NHS Direct 0845 4647

Hi bbb_uk, Did that reply come from Mr Harder?

I've emailed what I think is his email:

rob.harder [AT] pcs-tr.swest.nhs.uk

If anyone knows any different, let us know.