James,
Patentline is a PLC,
http://www.londonstockexchange.com/e...SEAQ3022108PTL
So the NHS at the end of the day only has the choice have these devices, or not.
All call prices are set by patientline themselves, and any profit made, presumably goes straight back in to the company - NOT the NHS.
So not only are patients paying a fortune for calls, their money doesn't even benefit the NHS on the whole. I don't actually know if this is the case, but i'd be highly surprised if it isn't. This is another issue all together though!
I'm glad this frustrates someone else. Wonder how many more people out there feel the same?!
Matt