GAZETTE & HERALD: The Lodge Surgery in Chippenham is introducing a new 0844 contact number, which will cost callers slightly more than the local rate and bring in extra revenue for the surgery.

Assistant practice manager Lynn Smith said the new streamlined phone system would bring about a host of benefits for patients, with extra lines to make it easier for people to contact them.

But not all patients are happy about the change

John Lakey, from Buckingham Road in Chippenham said: "In my opinion it can only be considered as a tax on ill health that will be inflicted on people at a time when they need help and is likely to have an impact on the elderly and low income families.

"Statistically the old and the poor enjoy a lesser level of good health than the well off."

The new call rate, 4.25p per minute , will be about half a pence a minute more expensive than the local call rate and the surgery will make 0.3 pence per minute from callers.

Ms Smith said this would directly fund the implementation of the new improved phone service.

"The NHS has not got the money to pay for the new system," she said.

"The benefits will outweigh the cost. On the old system we have had people complaining they couldn't get through for 45 minutes.

"We will have more lines, and more ability to open and transfer lines."