2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Latest Press Releases 25 August 2007 Foster asks Health Secretary to intervene on phone call concerns Worcester MP, Mike Foster, has today written to the Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, asking him to intervene in the row over 0844 revenue sharing phone numbers used by some local GPs. Following admission by the Primary Care Trust that they cannot directly ban their use, but are making inquiries into it, Mr Foster has decided to ask for a complete ban on all revenue sharing phone systems within the NHS. Mr Foster said: “There is real unease about GP practices earning money from patients in this way. GPs earn their money from the delivery of services to patients.” “That is why I have written to Alan Johnson. I want to see him state that the NHS continues to be free at the point of use, and that includes banning premium rate or revenue sharing phone calls to your GP. The local PCT have reacted quickly and well, but it is clear there is a national perspective to this as well. We need to stop the use of such revenue sharing phone calls across the NHS wherever it is taking place.” “Locally, there could be up to eleven GP practices using a 0844 number, and possibly earning money directly from patient calls. They need to be stopped immediately. Local practices should also declare how much they have earned because of these charges. More transparency is needed at this point to reassure local patients.” < Back to Results