GP phone services 'will improve' thanks to 0844 numbers

Date: 16/05/2011

Use of 0844 phone numbers will help improve telephone services at one health facility in Norwich, the centre's practice manager has claimed.

According to the Norwich Evening News, West Pottergate Health Centre recently switched to an 0844 number, as part of an upgrade to its old telephone system.

The move has been criticised by campaigners as it may result in higher call charges for some patients, but practice manager Don Pearson was quoted by the news source as saying it will boost the quality of service offered by the surgery.

"We hope patients will judge us by the service that we provide. Our telephone access was poor and this will improve that," he remarked.

The previous phone setup used by the health centre meant around half of all incoming calls were going unanswered and it said on its website that the new number will be no more expensive than before for almost all patients.

Health centres in South Yorkshire are being encouraged by local newspaper the Star to use 03 contact numbers, as some patients are being hit with high call charges when booking appointments or making queries over the phone.