Automated GP Calls Rile Patients 

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Why are more and more General Practioners (GPs) moving to 0844 numbers?

Doctors who use it say it speeds up access and avoids the dreaded engaged tone.

With an 0844 number GPs get an automated telephone system called "Surgery Line" that has a recorded message which helps to filter and direct calls and it allows patients to cancel appointments by leaving a message.

Many people get all their local calls free, but 0844 numbers don't count as local calls so patents have to pay 5p a minute.

0844 numbers are so-called revenue sharing: Part of the charge goes to the telephone company, part goes to the GP but should patients be paying for their GP's phone system?

You can read more about automated GP calls on the BBC website.