HOSPITAL unions have reacted angrily to the news that the cost to patients of making telephone calls from their beds is to be increased by 160 per cent.

Patientline, the company that owns the telephone and television services at hospitals across the UK, announced on Wednesday that it was increasing its call charges from 10p a minute to 26p.

Stephanie Thomas, from Unison, said: "To rip off and exploit patients in this way is absolutely diabolical.

"Being in hospital is often the most distressing and upsetting time in a patient's life.

"Due to money worries about paying for these increasingly extortionate phone bills, many poorer patients will be left even more stranded and out of contact with family and friends.

"We feel Ofcom should urgently investigate this terrible exploitation."

But the company claims the move is necessary as it has never made a profit, despite investing £160 million in the service.

Patientline also says most patients who spend money on the service use it on television, the cost of which has been reduced from £3.50 a day to £2.90.

A spokesman for Patientline said: "We are committed to providing the best possible service and, as such, Patientline is working to make the service easier to use and understand."

Heather Edwards, head of communications at the Royal Bolton Hospital, believes many patients will be happy with the changes.

"The pricing is entirely up to Patientline - the hospital doesn't receive any money from this," she said.

"However, although we realise that some patients will be concerned at the rise in phone call costs, others will be pleased that the overall package for TV and internet access is being reduced."