tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547492502568950157.post4721273605398718307..comments2023-04-26T16:43:36.751+01:00Comments on David Hickson's Media Releases: The NHS Direct 084 telephone number rip-off is extended by at least six monthsDavid Hicksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098965183402991445noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547492502568950157.post-47985378194007145742012-06-27T21:00:12.775+01:002012-06-27T21:00:12.775+01:00In response to the earlier NHS directive to reduce...In response to the earlier NHS directive to reduce telephone access time, many of the keener GP surgeries signed contracts with Surgery Line (NEG) for 0844 numbers lasting until something like 2015, which they cannot get out of without paying prohibitive sums and this applies even though the NHS subsequently directed that they must stop using 084 numbers within the year. Change from 084 to 034 numbers is also unavailable under these contracts.<br /><br />The Government should introduce legislation to force providers of 084 numbers, on the demand of their customers, either to change these numbers to 034 numbers for a reasonable charge (defined by the Government) or allow the customer to terminate the contract without penalty. It may be that providers might also be allowed to increase their rental in line with the consequent loss of revenue from BT landlines (this revenue to the provider was envisaged by the surgeries when the contracts were signed), but loss of greater revenue from other phones, e.g. mobiles, must be borne by the provider themself.John Of Londonnoreply@blogger.com