DH - The use of 084 Numbers: directions to NHS bodies - 5 Jan
Letter from Nick Hall dated 21 December 2009
- Download letter from Nick Hall (PDF, 26K)
- Directions to NHS bodies concerning the cost of telephone calls 2009
Letter Extract
21st December 2009
Dear Colleague
Re: The use of 084 Numbers - Directions to NHS Bodies
Following a public consultation on the future use of 084 numbers in the NHS, the Department announced on September 14th that it would be prohibiting the use of telephone numbers which charged the patient more than the equivalent cost of calling a geographical number to contact the NHS. Further information and the findings of the consultation can be found at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Responsestoconsultations/DH_105089
As a result of the consultation, Directions to Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts, and to Special Health Authorities and NHS Trusts in England (with the exception of NHS Direct NHS Trust) have been issued today (21st December), which instruct those organisations not to use contact telephone numbers which have the effect of the patient paying a premium above the cost of a call to a geographical number. A copy of the Directions accompanies this letter for your information.
These Directions do not prohibit an organisation from using specific number ranges for the purpose of contacting NHS services. Organisations remain free to use non-geographical number ranges such as 084, providing that patients are not charged more than the equivalent cost of calling a geographical number to do so.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Hall
Deputy Director
Practice Vacancies
Locum and SGPs 
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