NHS PATIENTS are being told to bring their own batteries to GP appointments to cut costs.
People getting their blood pressure or hearts checked were asked to provide AA batteries to power a 24-hour electrocardiogram at Marden Medical Centre in Kent.
A text from the practice to a patient warned them if they needed an ECG or blood pressure test they would need their own Duracell batteries — which cost around £4 a pack.
Outraged campaigners said it is unacceptable that poorly patients are being forced to stump up the cash for “essential diagnostic equipment".
Dennis Reed, of senior citizen group Silver Voices, said: “How has the NHS degenerated to such an extent that patients are asked to bring their own batteries?
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“Instead of penny-pinching measures like this to make patients fork out for their health care, the NHS should be cutting out the billions they are wasting on failing computer systems.”
It comes just over a year after prices for prescriptions were increased.
On March 9 last year, a 3.21 per cent inflation rate was applied — the equivalent of around 30p — to prescriptions.
It meant the price rose from £9.35 to £9.65 for each medicine or appliance dispensed.
The message said: “This is a reminder of your appointment which is booked.
“If you have booked a 24hr Blood Pressure or 24hr ECG appointment, please bring two AA Duracell batteries for the machine.”
Labour shadow health minister Abena Oppong-Asare: “We’ve seen patients having to perform DIY dentistry because they can’t see a dentist, now patients at GP practices are told to ‘bring your own batteries’.
“What a sad indictment of the desperate state the NHS has been left in after 14 years of Conservative neglect."
In 2022, the British Medical Association outlined guidance on what GPs should charge patients for.
It 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.
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Taking extracts from records or providing health reports can also be charged for, but there is no mention of batteries.
A spokesman for Marden Medical Centre in Kent said: “Our 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) recording machine is an additional service we provide.
“It is a convenient alternative to going to hospital for the check.
“It requires fresh batteries every time it is used — providing new batteries each time would be costly and create wastage.
“This policy is in line with our drive to support sustainability and a greener NHS, as patients can continue to use the batteries they provide at home afterwards.”
