NHS Herefordshire, the leader for healthcare in the county, has confirmed that it moved ahead of the just announced national ban on the use of phone numbers that charge a premium rate to contact the NHS.
Health minister Mike O’Brien has announced changes to the law that will prohibit any number or tariff that makes it expensive for people to call their local GP or hospital. But on 1 April this year, NHS Herefordshire had already changed the ‘out of hours’ number to contact a doctor or dentist. It is charged at a local rate.
The number is 0330 1239309 and the service is for all residents as well as visitors to the county. Lines are open between 6pm and 8am Monday to Friday, during weekends and on public and bank holidays. Anyone with an urgent query about adult social care can also use this number between 5pm and 9am.
Dr Ian Williams, director of integrated commissioning for Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, said, "The out-of-hours service is there to help people who have an urgent medical or dental concern while their GP or dental surgery is closed. We anticipated that the number should be charged at a local rate rather than a premium one as it is important that people on low incomes should never be inhibited in using the telephone when they need help, advice or treatment”.
A leaflet containing the new number and information about doctor and dental services in Herefordshire was sent to every home in the county. The service is provided by NHS Herefordshire, in association with Primecare. Primecare’s fully-trained, dedicated team help around 3000 people each month with urgent health problems. This rises to as many as 4,500 during December. Calls dealt with by the team range from severe abdominal pain and collapse to general enquiries about flu and vomiting.
The government’s announcement follows a recent public consultation on the use of 084 numbers in the NHS. Almost 3,000 members of the public responded, demonstrating the strength of feeling on this issue. It was clear from the feedback that patients supported the banning of the use of premium rate telephone numbers.