I have set up our telephone number - 0844 375 6505. I know these numbers have had a bad press recently, so I have asked the provider to put the record straight:
"There is a common misconception that 0844 numbers cost the same to call as 0870 numbers or premium rate numbers. This is not true. Premium rate calls cost between 10p to £1.50 a minute, whilst national call rate numbers (usually known as 0870) cost about 8p a minute to call. 0844 numbers cost 4.2p per minute to call, which is equivalent to the BT standard daytime rate for the first minute of a call. Whilst tariffs do vary widely, for most patients there is little or no difference in the cost of calling their dentist on a low call rate 0844 number. In fact, some patients may find it cheaper because unlike a BT call there is no 3p connection charge. Those patients who pay more because of their telecom provider’s rate package will only find themselves paying on a few pennies extra for the call. We do not make a ‘profit’ out of the 0844 calls - this is written into our contact. The money generated partially funds the new equipment in order to provide a better service for patients."
At the end of the day it is all about providing a better service to our patients. It is going to be a busy summer - fantastic.
