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Whilst exceptional waiting times are unacceptable, the improper use of 0845 numbers is a quite sufficient issue of concern in itself.
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The extracts from media coverage of this story, shown below, offer an encouraging sign of the message about the cost of calling 0845 numbers now being presented fairly.
Pending possible discussions with the NAO about the detail of its calculations, the following briefing has been issued to give additional information and some insight into the published figures. Whilst exceptional waiting times are unacceptable, the improper use of 0845 numbers is a quite sufficient issue of concern in itself.
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We disagree with GPs, PCTs and others who argue that “patient choice” in the NHS includes the right to pay for improved access, so long as free access is available to those who cannot afford it.
Following sight of the Ofcom news release and coverage based on that, a further briefing has been issued.
As advised in our media release, the move from 0845 to 0300 was completed on 26 November. It is now being publicised and discussed. Click on the items below (including the link within the animated Google ad). We urge supporters to sign the petition organised by the 'Sunday Post' newspaper - published in Dundee by the reknowned DC Thomson. Although this is essentially not a party political issue, we and the Sunday Post are grateful to the Scottish Lib Dems for hosting an on-line version of the petition at www.no2nuisancecalls.net. Please read the update on the position regarding nuisance calls in the briefing shown below. A copy of the latest coverage in the 'Sunday Post' is also available to view.
By yet another evasive written answer to a parliamentary question (see also ‘Some “jobsworth” from Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter”’) the Minister again appears to confirm that we do not have a “National” Health Service.
Our NHS is based on the principle that providers are paid to deliver NHS services from our taxation, not through charges which GPs and others may (indirectly) impose on us, e.g. by use of revenue sharing telephone numbers. The revisions to the GP contracts which came into effect from 1 April 2010 simply ensured that this principle could no longer be evaded. Because Primary Care Trusts have failed to enforce the revised contractual terms, this evasion continues. The Secretary of State for Health was asked what action he was taking to address this continuing undermining of the NHS. The answer from his Minister was clear - “NOTHING”. Compliance with the principles of our "National" Health Service is left to be decided by local officials. The policy being followed by NHS Kent and Medway (serving constituents of Tracey Crouch MP) leaves it to individual GPs, in consultation with their patients. This is not "our NHS".
This coverage of the issue of use of expensive telephone numbers for customer complaints and enquiries addressed the points effectively in a well produced piece. It was however flawed by some significant omissions and errors, which are covered in the briefing.
Supporters may wish to urge the BBC to take advantage of fair telecoms campaign briefings .
After a recent lack of success with one arm of the BBC (or as it is Pudsey, perhaps it should be one eye!) we are delighted to report a campaigning success for a supporter in relation to tickets for wheelchair users (no bad taste references to numbers of legs, please) wishing to attend the Sports Personality of the Year show.
This matter has been reported and discussed in this thread of the SayNoTo0870.com forum. The media release (see above) attempts to draw attention to the relevance of this item to many others.
See our media release and briefing materials (above).
“In an adjournment debate in the House of Commons yesterday, John Healey MP made a strong case for the DWP to switch from 0845 to using 03 numbers. Responding for the government, DWP Minister of State Mark Hoban MP was unable to offer any meaningful objection.” |
Please feel free to comment. We approve all comments before publishing.
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