Your first port of call is to ask the surgery next time you are there what their 01, 02 or 03 number is.

Under the terms of the GMS contract revision of April 2010 they were obligated to start using an 01, 02 or 03 number by April 2011 and to stop using the 0844 (indeed, to stop using any and all 084, 087 and 09 numbers).

Don't take any rubbish that 0844 numbers are "local rate". They are "premium rate" and there's enough evidence in this fine forum to counter any and every specious argument that they may try to come up with to infer that you're wrong.

They have to provide you with a number that costs no more than an 01 or 02 number to call. Show them the price for both 01 and 084 numbers from your landline and from your mobile and they are sunk.

The regulations do apply to all patients, however they choose to call: mobile or landline, with or without inclusive minutes, or on pay as you go. The surgery cannot say you're out of luck because you use a mobile or are on a particular package and this fact has been stated in the House of Commons by the Health Minister and the Secretary of State on several occasions.

They are still not willing to release there 01530 local number I have explained all of the above that has been mentioned and still no joy , any advice anyone? Thanks in advance.