Provision of Intelligent Network (NI) Numbers 08 and 03
We will provide each PCT department, Multi-Agency Service, Primary Health Care Provider with its own individual number from IN.
- Auto access. Attendant, Interactive Voice Response, Call Queuing, Music on Hold services are available, together with Hosted Voice Mail-all tailored to individual Providers needs. These will enhance callers’ experience.
- This service gives callers Single Call Access, meaning that they only have to ring one number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to access Primary Care or other associated services.
- This number will connect the caller to the Practice/Health Care Provider etc when it is open and taking calls and to the appropriate In-Hours or Out-of-Hours Service Provider or, alternatively, a Hosted Voice Mail Service when closed, not taking or unable to take calls.
- Call costs to 08 and 03 numbers are controlled by OFCOM, the communications regulator.
- Calls to 0800 numbers are free from BT land lines. Other carriers will vary.
- OFCOM states that calls to 0845 numbers must mirror the cost of a local call if calling from a BT land line. Other carriers will vary.
- Mobile telephone call operators generally charge for calls to 0800 and 0845 numbers and are rarely accepted in call plans.
- Call costs to 03 numbers are accepted by telecoms companies as part of call packages for both land line and mobile providers.
- 0800 and 0845 numbers are widely used within the NHS.
- An increasing number of service providers within the NHS are moving from the use of 08 to the use of 03 numbers.