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This Web Site provides information from David Hickson in support of the campaign to Stop use of Revenue Sharing Telephone Numbers in the NHS All telephone numbers beginning 084 and 087 are charged at premium rates because they are more costly to connect. In all cases a “revenue share” is passed on as a cash benefit or cost subsidy to the organisation being called. In our National Health Service the principle of “free at the point of need” is pre-eminent. It is therefore wholly unacceptable for any NHS provider to use such a number - it is an indirect charge for a service. The founding principles of our beloved NHS are threatened by the introduction of market consumerism, through “choice” and competition. Whatever benefits these may offer, they must not over-ride the greater values, which may be forgotten as we rightly seek improvement. We must recognise the principle that is at stake, even if for some it is a matter of pence, or hidden altogether in perverse telephone charges. Use the links to find your way around the site, please send Feedback with comments or suggestions. |