Against 0844 to call doctors surgeries?

researcher

I found this government e-petition when looking for another number to call my doctors surgery - it really annoys me to spend XXX rather than it come out of my inclusive allowance. Please sign if you agree and pass it on to anyone you think would be interested, as there were only 26 signatures when I signed.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1609

fluffnutter

Do any surgeries only have 0844 numbers? I should imagine it will be difficult to rouse much enthusiasm for this if there's always a cheaper alternative.

pcombo

my local doctor surgery here in scotland uses local numbers

i.e 01294 XXXXXX

de1amo

mine uses 0844 and i have yet to find an alternative way of getting through to them!

ShaneUK

Mine has a geographical, 0113. However, my old one when I lived in Kent (Tunbridge Wells) had an 0844 one. Have just checked the website, and it is still an 0844 only and this is for phone and fax.

researcher

My surgery do not have any other number. I have searched and asked them direct but if I want to speak to them I have no choice but to use the 0844 one.

Its a bit difficult to be certain for everyone, but my number is an 08444 which is a BT G6 tariff charged at 5.5p per minute (anytime) + 12.5p connection fee.

wealdroam

This has been discussed at length before...
Doctors Surgeries told to stop using 0844 Numbers

Do we really need this new petition?

I'll quote from the first post of that 2007 thread...

Ypaymore wrote: »

"Doctors should no longer be using 0844 telephone numbers that charge patients extra to call their GPs, the Department of Health has said.
The Government said that GPs should be using alternatives to the numbers, which are up to 4p a minute more expensive to call from a BT landline than a standard local call. Practices can also receive a rebate on incoming 0844 calls.
The Times reported in July that more than 1,200 doctors’ surgeries are using the numbers, prompting a campaign by consumer lobbyists who say that GPs are unfairly profiting from patients’ calls.
In a statement to primary care trusts, the Department of Health said: “We do not expect GPs to break existing contracts, but they should not be entering new ones that would involve patients being charged more than for a local call.”
Michael Kennedy, a member of the saynoto0870.com internet forum, said: “GPs who have contracted to use these revenue-sharing numbers may well be in breach of their contracts because they are precluded from charging patients.”


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2896435.ece

So the Department of Health has already instructed doctors on this.
What will another petition achieve?

de1amo

its been about 5 years since my GP started using 0844 so heavens knows how long these tie ins are!?

researcher

Well, as there have been no changes in all this time the argument for another petition is even stronger. I'm amazed that GP surgeries are still using these numbers and armed with this info I will be asking the practice manager for a comment.

wealdroam

researcher wrote: »

Well, as there have been no changes in all this time the argument for another petition is even stronger. I'm amazed that GP surgeries are still using these numbers and armed with this info I will be asking the practice manager for a comment.

Probably a better course of action than a petition, IMHO.

Torry_Quine

Mine uses 0845xxxx which is fine for me as it's included but for others and when I have to use a mobile it can be expensive.