Could Welsh residents benefit from 03 numbers?

Date: 31/05/2011

New 03 numbers could be a solution for health boards in Wales that still use revenue share numbers.

The Western Mail reports that some patients have to pay premium call charges to contact their out of hours doctor.

This is because Aneurin Bevan, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg and Cwm Taf health boards, as well as NHS Direct Wales, are still using 0845 numbers.

Calling these can cost up to 20p a minute more than contacting a 01, 02 or 03 number, the publication explained.

Carol Lamyman-Davies, director of the Board of Community Health Councils in Wales, said: "I intend undertaking a national review of what patients are paying in these circumstances and shall report my findings to the health minister accordingly."

Those in Wales are not the only people experiencing this problem, as the Wokingham Times recently reported that three practices in the town are still using 0844 numbers.

These charge up to 35p per minute, depending on the device being used to make the call.