Keith wrote on Jun 7^th, 2013 at 8:14am:


I cannot regard anything that enables, possibly false, partial justification for a continuing breach of the terms of the GP NHS contract as a success - quite the reverse.

Keith wrote on Jun 7^th, 2013 at 8:14am:

If this is true then the practice has made a significant investment, at least that which it would have had to make if switching from the 0844 number altogether. Furthermore, it would have taken a different approach to that recommended by its system provider, which is for a single geographic line (provided free of charge) to operate alongside the 0844 service.

(With reference to recent comments.)

Whilst some may not agree with all aspects of the tactical position taken in public statements using the name "the fair telecoms campaign", the aim is to represent the objectives of the very many people who are actively seeking the elimination of inequities in the world of telecoms. Any credit assigned to "the fair telecoms campaign" must therefore apply to all those involved, regardless of the amount of effort that they are able to contribute and the role they are able to take.

People are free to disassociate themselves from "the fair telecoms campaign" if they wish. When we comment using that name, we do not in any way exclude those who may disagree with some of the tactical positions taken for the sake of furthering shared objectives, or those who may only be able to make a relatively modest contribution to campaigning.

Media coverage and public statements are valuable in advancing the cause, however it is only when real changes are made in practice that anything is actually achieved. We are pleased to acknowledge thanks and congratulations, however there is much more that needs to happen and more work is required both at the general level and with every specific case. We hope that others will join us in doing all we can to press forward.

Redbridge GP surgeries still using ‘extortionate’ premium rate numbers despite government ban

http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/news/redbridge_gp_surgeries_still_using_ext...

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Wednesday, August 14, 2013

<<
Several Redbridge GP surgeries are still using “extortionate” premium rate phone numbers despite a government ban.

Calls to The Evergreen Surgery, in High Street, Wanstead, cost at least 4p a minute but many callers pay considerably more from mobiles or providers other than BT.

The regional number listed on many websites is out of service and directs callers to re-dial the premium rate 0844 line.

One woman said her 92-year-old mother was paying £5 for regular calls and became distressed about her rocketing phone bill.

Sue Taylor, of Loughton, said: “Elderly people call doctors all the time so how much money are they taking from pensioners like my mum who are on a basic rate pension?

“I think it’s extortion – vulnerable people may not be able to afford it and it’s going to stop them calling.”

In December 2009 the government ordered GPs to stop using premium rate numbers and NHS England is now auditing how “reliant” surgeries are on revenue from calls.

A spokesman said: “GP practices should not renew or enter into any new contracts for telephone services that charge patients more than the cost of a geographical call.”

When the Recorder phoned The Evergreen Surgery, we were on hold for five minutes before reaching a receptionist.

The surgery declined to comment.

Chadwell Heath Surgery, in Chadwell Heath Lane, Chadwell Heath, Goodmayes Medical Practice, in Green Lane, Goodmayes, and the Chigwell Medical Centre, in Fencepiece Road, Chigwell, also use 0844 numbers but list an “alternative” geographical line.

The Doctor’s House surgery in Cameron Road, Seven Kings, lists only an 0208 number on its own website but the premium rate number that shows in search engine results is still in operation.

The Willows Medical Practice, in Manford Way, Hainault, uses a premium rate line that does not carry a warning of charges.

David Hickson works with the Fair Telecoms Campaign is working to stop surgeries charging patients for 0844 calls.

He said: “It is the principle of the NHS to not allow GPs to fund their surgeries through charges on patients.

“They can transfer the same service on to geographical numbers so there is no excuse not to.”
>>

It is easy to see whose side Theresa Pearce MP is on, obviously the GP's not the Patients. Shouldn't someone point out to her that she is using Daisy's old online garbage that even they are not presenting as their usual loophole to gain compliance. Would she use the Two-tier NHS geo. number and be happy to keep re-dialing, I think not !!!!

RESULT!

Additional New Telephone Number for Holbrook Surgery, Horsham, West Sussex

After patient feedback about our telephone number we have contacted our phone supplier who has provided us with an alternative 01403 number for patients to call. As this number does not have enhanced services you may experience the engaged tone at busy times, at which time you can try calling our existing telephone number 0844 815 1072.

Our new additional number is: 01403 339818

Well, it is a result for me and the missus, as over the last eighteen months we sadly, due to medical problems ,have had to be in touch with this surgery several times and now we can get in touch with them on a geographical number without it costing us.

Dave wrote on Sep 21^st, 2013 at 3:18pm:


Thanks Dave.