Randerson success as Health Minister reviews revenue raising numbers within the NHS

1.01.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st Aug 2008

The costs of 0844 numbers can be higher for poorer people

Welsh Lib Dem Spokesperson for Health Jenny Randerson AM has today welcomed the Health Minister's decision to review the unfair costly 0844 and 0845 numbers used by GP surgeries around Wales.

Last week, Jenny Randerson AM wrote to the Health Minister to express her concern that this practice is very unfair on some of the poorest patients and called for the Minister to formally ban the use of these numbers.

Jenny Randerson, Cardiff Central AM said:

"I am absolutely delighted that the Minister has decided to take swift action by reviewing the use of the costly and unfair 0844 and 0845 numbers used by some GP surgeries.

"While some of these numbers can raise extra cash for the NHS, it is very unfair on some of the poorest patients out there. Revenue raising numbers often have the biggest effect on poor patients, as calls to these numbers are considerably more expensive when called from mobile phones.

"All the evidence shows that poorer people are less likely to have access to a landline and rely instead on the use of a mobile phone. This system is penalising them.

"I hope that the Minister will see sense and stop this unfair practice by bringing an immediate ban of the use of these numbers."

Ends/Diwedd

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