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087 Phone Numbers Banned
Footnote 28/02/05
Many practices in the Wessex region and around the country have entered into a contract with NEG plc to install a new efficient telephone system that uses an 087
telephone number.
We believe that the government may announce a ban in the very near future and a number of practices have contacted us for advice.
We have now spoken to NEG plc and have been reassured that, in the event of a ban, all of their existing customers will be transferred to an 0844 number, which is
a ‘low call’ or normal rate number, before the end of April.
The company has assured us that they will honour all existing contracts and there will be no additional cost implications for the practice, once the switch has
been made.
New customers will also enjoy a similar and improved arrangement whereby their telephone system will be updated at no charge to them or to their patients.
This appears to be a win - win situation and should reassure all of our practices and patients who have been very concerned by the recent adverse publicity.
Footnote 28/02/05
National and Premium Rate Phone Numbers Banned From April
The government has announced that from April 2005, NHS organisations will not be able to set up new national rate telephone numbers, starting with an 087 prefix,
or premium rate telephone numbers, starting with an 09 prefix, for patients contacting local services.
The only special service numbers the NHS will be able to use in future are ‘freephone’ numbers or those that offer patients a guaranteed low rate call, which
includes 0845 or 0844 numbers.
GP practices currently using national or premium rate numbers will be expected to change these to ‘lo-call’ rate numbers, which offer patients a guaranteed low
call rate. The switch to these numbers should be completed by the spring.
The government plans to provide reimbursement up to a cost of £500 to cover the cost of switching phone lines.
See also
Q&A PR512 - 087 and 084 telephone numbers
Further Information:
LMC Guidance on Practice Telephone Systems
0870 and 0845 Numbers: FAQs
DOH letter to practices 11 April 2005
CED 17/02/05 (updated 28/02/05, 27/04/05)
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