Patient unable to contact surgery due to premium rate phone line

Date: 01/07/2011

GP surgeries may be inspired to purchase new 03 numbers when they hear of one practice in Chigwell.

A seriously ill woman was recently prevented from contacting her doctor because the medical centre charges premium rates for phone calls, the Epping Forest Guardian reports.

Kate Hammond, who is 27, tried to book an appointment at Chigwell Medical Centre as she was suffering from a recurring stomach complaint.

However, she does not have a landline and was unable to afford the mobile phone charge that accompanies the surgery's 0844 number.

Ms Hammond said the medical centre claims the phone line will benefit patients, but she does not see how this can be the case.

"Not being able to speak to my doctor because of these new charges is just ridiculous," she added.

Last month, the Braintree and Witham Times reported that Kelvedon Surgery is doing away with its premium rate phone number after it was accused of profiting from patients.