GP tells patients to bring own batteries for blood pressure tests
‘Providing new batteries each time would be costly and create wastage. This is in line with a greener NHS’
A GP surgery in Kent asked patients to bring their own batteries for blood pressure and heart checks in order to reduce waste.
The practice told anyone having a 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) or 24-hour blood pressure test that they would have to bring in two AA batteries.
The surgery said the machines used for the tests, usually issued to patients at a hospital, had been donated and offered convenience to anyone needing the check-up, as the nearest hospital was about 10 miles away.
One person received a message from the Marden Medical Centre, Kent, saying: “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.”
A medical centre spokesman told Kent Online the measure was in place as part of efforts to minimise costs and stop wastage.
“Our 24-hour ECG recording machine is an additional service we provide, having been donated by fundraising efforts of the Friends of Marden Medical Centre. It is a convenient alternative to going to hospital for the check.
“It requires fresh batteries every time it is used to make sure it works properly.
“Providing new batteries each time would be costly and create wastage, and we found rechargeable batteries were not effective. This policy is in line with our drive to support sustainability and a greener NHS, as patients can use the batteries they provide at home afterwards.”
It costs around £4 for a pack of four Duracell AA batteries.
The GP was rated “outstanding” by inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after a visit in 2019.
In 2022, the British Medical Association outlined guidance on what GPS should charge patients for. This included certificates, whether it be a private sick note for employers, a certificate for insurance purposes, or a freedom from infection certificate which can be used for school, travel or employment, Taking extracts from records or providing health reports was also said to be chargeable, but there was no mention of batteries.
It comes after surveys found public satisfaction with GP services at an all time low. Last week a report by the King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust think tanks found more people were dissatisfied with their family doctor than ever before. On Wednesday a survey of 90,000 adults published by the Office for National Statistics found one in 10 people had been unable to make contact with their surgery the last time they had tried. It said it took two or more days for most people to hear back for those who did make contact.
An NHS spokesman said: “Almost two thirds of people are happy with their experience and millions more are being given appointments compared to before the pandemic. NHS data shows there were 30.5 million appointments delivered by GPS and their teams in February, compared with 24.7 million in February 2020.”