News from Sheffield Labour

Betts questions GPs’ use of 084 numbers

Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East has written to all NHS GP Surgeries in his constituency about the use of 084 telephone numbers.

Clive Betts said; “With effect from April 2011, GPs are required to ensure that telephone callers to their practices are not charged more than the standard geographical rate.

“However, some GP practices are continuing to use 084 numbers which may cost more from non-BT operators and from mobile phones.

“Practices are meant to have take steps to ensure callers from these numbers are not over-charged.”

Clive Betts continued; “Some constituents have complained to me that it appears that some GP practices have not yet implemented these requirements. Clearly, it is unacceptable if some patients are made to pay considerably more than appropriate for calling their local NHS GP surgery.

“Therefore, I have written to all GP practices in my constituency asking them to confirm that they have implemented the call charge regulations or, where this has not yet happened for contractual reasons, confirmation that they have taken all reasonable steps to implement alternatives so that some patients are not seriously financially penalised.”

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