Commenting on the Department of Health consultation on the use of 084 numbers in the NHS announced, Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's GP Committee, said:

"Telephone systems should make accessing a GP easier and also be cost-effective for patients; we therefore welcome this consultation on how to improve the current system.

"Where 084 numbers are used by the NHS there is good evidence that patient satisfaction has improved, with better and quicker access to services because of the additional functions within the telephone system.

"We believe the best way forward is for the government to work with the telephone industry to make sure the companies that supply these systems move to local-rate call arrangements with NHS organisations. After all it was the government that encouraged many GPs to move to 084 numbers in the first place to help meet their access targets, and many surgeries will now be tied into long-term contracts."

The British Medical Association