Following the recent public consultation on the use of 084 telephone numbers in the NHS, the Department of Health have now issued their conclusions.

They recommend that 0844 numbers can continue to be used as long as a premium rate is not charged. 'Premium rate’ means a call that costs more than a local call.

Calls to our telephone number (0844 477 3283) actually cost very slightly less than a BT local call. As a result of this ruling we are hopeful that telephone service providers will now be forced to include 084 telephone numbers alongside 01.. and 02.. numbers in their call packages.

We will pass on further information as soon as it becomes available.