UK Hospital Requires Patients to Bring Own Batteries for Medical Checks.

By Caroline Ameh

Marden Medical Centre, located in Kent, United Kingdom, has implemented cost-saving measures amidst the country’s economic challenges, including asking patients to supply their own batteries for certain medical appointments.

Patients attending Marden Medical Centre in Marden, Kent, have received text messages requesting them to bring their own Duracell AA batteries if they require an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood pressure test during appointments.

The full message from the practice states, “This is a reminder of your appointment which is booked. If you have booked a 24hr Blood Pressure or 24hr ECG appointment ONLY, please bring two AA Duracell batteries for the machine.”

While a pack of four Duracell AA batteries costs around £4, the medical centre confirmed that this measure aims to reduce costs and minimize wastage.

According to a spokesperson, the 24-hour ECG recording machine, provided as an additional service through fundraising efforts, requires fresh batteries for each use to ensure proper functionality. Providing new batteries each time would incur significant costs and generate wastage.

The spokesperson emphasized that this policy aligns with the medical centre’s commitment to sustainability and a greener NHS, as patients can reuse the batteries they provide at home.

Despite the cost-saving initiative, Marden Medical Centre received commendations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with an ‘outstanding’ rating overall and ‘good’ ratings in three out of five categories.

While the British Medical Association outlined guidance on charges for various medical services in 2022, including certificates and health reports, there is no mention of batteries.

This request for patients to provide their own batteries comes amid recent increases in prescription prices, with a 3.21 per cent inflation rate applied last year, resulting in higher costs for medicines and appliances dispensed by the hospital.