070 numbers

[#1]

I can't see in the tariff guide how much 070 numbers cost to call - this is one to a hospital phone service, where patients are given an 070 phone number for people to ring them direct.
All I can see are code numbers like pn1, pn2 etc and no indication as to which numbers fit which cost.
Any ideas? The initial message when I ring the number gives a horrendously expensive BT price and the calls I made aren't as yet showing on my calls list.

[#2]

Hi,
Do you have the first 5 digits of the number? I should be able to see which call destination group it first in to.

[#3]

if its like my local hospital, it is worse than an 09 call, most of the wards give out a normal number as they are fed up with the rip off

[#4]

It's 07081.
I tried the ward number originally but you have to wait so long to reach it, with a long message about swine flu before you can input the extension number! Then, the person I was ringing wan't able to walk down to the phone, so I had to leave a message for them.
Sure it's a rip-off number from what it says about how much BT lines are charged and that mobiles are charged even more.

[#5]

A friend was in Papworth Hospital and the phone service provided by a company called Patientline (now Hospedia).  Calls into the hospital to the bedside cost 39p a minute and outgoing calls cost 10p. After much pressure the ingoing charges were reviewed but I can't tell you what they are now.  A recorded message will tell you before putting you through.
Interestingly when my friend transferred to the private wing all calls were free.

[#6]

Just found this which might help.
http://www.patientline.co.uk/using_ptl_sevices.htm

[#7]

And they are such a good company that At Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford - the Home of Radio - Marconi, you cant get BBC Essex on that B sysytem

[#8]

Thanks for the info all. Yes Artmo, that looks like the system, or something very similar. Apparently the credit on the cards a patient can buy only lasts for a day which is why I've been asked to ring rather than being rung! Oh well, if it's cost an arm and a leg I'll just have to put up with it. The system says BT is 39p off-peak and 49p peak time, so I have a rough idea what the calls have cost! Unfortunately, the tariff my mobile phone is on doesn't seem to let me access such numbers though 070 is shown in the tariff price list at 20ppm. I've emailed a query to them and am awaiting a reply!
PS It's at a major London hospital rather than a local hospital.

[#9]

PP I'll mention your complaint to the chief exec when I speak to her next time.

[#10]

Why not use a mobile? 

[#11]

The trouble with these systems (and I've recent experience of them) is that they are a 100% privatised service that has to cover its costs. And the equipment (TV, radio etc.) has to meet stringent hospital safety, electrical interference, biohazard, cleaning ability etc. etc. standards appropriate to being part of a patients bedside environment so is NOT cheap to make and install.
It's definitely not your average phone and cable.  
The whole idea of them was always misconceived in my view because of the cost/benefit mismatch.
In my recent experience (F-I-L in a coronary ward) the staff used to bring the cordless phone over from their desk to enable patients to take incoming calls from friends & family. But some people did actually use the entertainment system, we even considered it for him as we knew he'd be there for a week and you could buy a 5-day package at a not unreasonable price.
Edit: CofE - in general mobiles are not allowed in large parts of hospital. I think due to the risk of interfering with life-critical equipment.

[#12]

I think the real reason for banning mobiles in hospitals is the inconvenience to other patients.  There was a report about a year ago which said there was no threat to interference with equipment.
I always find it funny that an NHS hospital asks you to not use a mobile whereas a private hospital has no such rule.

[#13]

Interestingly enough I was told by a senior doctor over two years ago that the mobile phone rule was long irrelevent as surgeons use them in the theatre and hospital staff use them everywhere.

[#14]

Quote from: artmo

I always find it funny that an NHS hospital asks you to not use a mobile whereas a private hospital has no such rule.

and some of the NHS hospitals have mobile transmitters on the roof as they get paid for them.

[#15]

Quote from: artmo

I think the real reason for banning mobiles in hospitals is the inconvenience to other patients.

What is the difference between using a mobile or the supplied telephone system on the ward? I believe that a problem was with the contracts signed between the telphone/entertainment system supplier specifically having clauses banning mobiles which if not adhered will cost the hospital money.