CJT-80 wrote on Jun 4
th, 2010 at 10:19pm:
it was previously 08457 711 711 , pity they didn't simply change it to 03457 711 711 would of made more sense!
The new number covers NHS Blood and Transplant, a combination of what were previously two separate services.
I have been told that there was a long debate about whether to use one of the two previous numbers in its 03 form (as suggested), have two separate 03 numbers or adopt one equally memorable new number. Arguments about which number(s) to use, including consideration of a variety of possible new numbers, actually delayed a process which had already been going on for a very long time.
One can see that there may be merits in all of the alternatives, however I am reluctant to express a view about whether or not the right decision was made. (I do not even know which alternative new numbers were available!) As suggested, let us simply be grateful that these arguments did not prevent the project from finally being completed, after sterling efforts by their telecoms manager. I believe that special hero status is due here, for having led the NHS in the move to 03.
idb wrote on Jun 4
th, 2010 at 10:00am:
workpermit.com
I hope that nobody will confuse this private company with
The UK Border Agency, which uses a combination of 0300, 0845 and geo numbers. Many are concerned about the way in which companies like this make money offering services which are available for free (or at least at an overall lower charge) from official sources - a slightly cheaper telephone call may only be the start of a much more expensive, although probably fully legitimate, process.