GPs called on to publicise local telephone numbers

Date: 07/12/2011

GPs have been called upon to publicise the fact patients can use local telephone numbers to contact surgeries.

Earley Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) wants to see more people made aware they can use cheaper alternative lines rather than having to dial more expensive 0844 numbers, Get Wokingham reports.

According to the campaigners it can cost individuals up to 35p per minute to make appointments at one of the area's local surgeries if they call from a mobile or fixed-price plan.

Two other GPs reverted back to local telephone numbers last year, following the government's introduction of a ban on surgeries charging more than the local rate for calls.

Chairman of the Earley NAG Jim Willis said: "Brookside Group Practice in Lower Earley has continued to use 0844 despite enormous criticism and distress for patients."

As a result, NAG is hoping to increase awareness of the availability of the geographical numbers that people can use to make appointments.

The body was formed in 2005 as a new initiative established by Thames Valley Police.