Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear
The
NHS choices entry for this practice shows the 0844 number and an updated date of
26/10/2007. A copy of the equivalent page that was taken on
3 March 2008 (in the course of preparing the information found
here) shows the 01707 number.
This could imply (although there is no certainty) that the change to 0844 was made after the warning issued by the health minister on
21 January 2008.
Quote:I also caution such practices that as the Government are consistently focusing on the issue and will begin a serious evidence-gathering process, that might lead in the not-too-distant future to even stronger guidance on what will be expected of GPs and associated professionals. (Hansard 21 Jan 2008 Col 1334)
This was a clear warning about the potential consequences of the forthcoming ban on use of revenue sharing numbers in the NHS. Practices that were actively encouraged to adopt 0844 numbers by their PCTs some years ago must accept their responsibilities, as they rightly boast of their independence. One may however acknowledge that they could have some grounds for moaning. These more recent cases will deserve no sympathy whatsoever.
(The "surgery website" is well out of date as it refers to Welwyn and Hatfield PCT, which ceased to exist in October 2006).