TWO weeks ago The Northern Echo reported that I had resigned from a part-time job with Patientline, the hospital bedside TV and telephone provider, in protest at the very high cost of their services.

Particularly upsetting was the taking away of the reduced rate of TV viewing for patients over 65.

That combined with the exorbitant cost of making calls from a hospital bed adds to the stress of being in hospital. A couple of outgoing ten minute calls will cost a sick person more than £5.

An in-coming call to a patient at the peak rate costs 49p per minute (off peak 39p).

This week I am calling on NHS staff, former patients and their friends and family to protest at these exorbitant rates by phoning Patientline free on 0800 959 3100.

But hurry before Patientline replaces the freephone number with a premium rate one.

Peter Troy, Sedgefield.