Rotorua hospital free calling number disconnected

An 0800 number used by Taupo and Turangi residents to make free calls for appointments at Rotorua hospital has been temporarily disconnected after management claimed it was being abused.

Management discovered residents were ringing the number on their cellphones to talk to patients in their hospital rooms. One Turangi caller cost the hospital $175.

The Lakes District Health Board's communication manager, Sue Wilkie, said the number would be reconnected after a "few technical difficulties" were ironed out.