THOUGH they are members of a profession that is there to care for the sick, some doctors show scant regard for the financial health of their patients.
There can be no justification for those GPs who encourage patients to call high-cost phone lines to make appointments.
A slice of the income finds its way into the surgery's coffers.
This is shabby and greedy behaviour and it is small wonder that Gisela Stuart, Labour MP for Edgaston, should be kicking up a fuss. We share her outrage.
Doctors already earn a small fortune already. Why should they to dip their noses in this particular trough to pocket even more?
If GPs will not willingly stop using 0844 numbers, they should be forced to do so by the Department of Health.
It is a scandal that patients should have to pay over-the-odds to access a service that is paid for out of the public purse.