There is a strong argument for saying that this excellent memorable number should have reserved for national use. When 03 numbers were about to be introduced, Ofcom and the Cabinet Office had a major fall out over the way in which 030 numbers were to be allocated and we ended up with a free for all.

It is unfortunate that the general public failure to recognise that national rate and local rate are in fact the same means that one has to use "local rate" to provide reassurance that the premiums associated with 084 numbers do not apply.

It is also unfortunate that our National Health Service not only devolves decisions and service provision that must be sensitive to distinct local needs, but also services and decisions that should be common throughout the nation.

Looking at the details of this particular service, it seems to mirror those of the 111 service (as implied by the choice of number) and was set up in advance of the roll out of 111 to this area. It may be that Coventry and Warwickshire had hoped to be selected as a pilot area for 111, but was unsuccessful. One assumes that when 111 arrives, this number will be withdrawn. Calls to 111 are free from landlines and mobiles and are automatically directed to the appropriate local centre according to the location element of the calling landline number, or the cell from which a mobile call is made.