'Nonsensical' - Criticism floods in after Walsall Healthcare Trust announce decision to stop providing hearing aids at five medical centres

Starting on August 4, 2025 hearing aid batteries will no longer be available to collect from Darlaston, Beechdale, Pinfold, Brace Street and Park View medical centres.

Instead, patients will have to travel to the Audiology Department at the Manor Hospital between 9.30am - 12.30pm, and 1.30pm - 4.30pm, or send a large letter stamp and request home delivery from the hospital. 

The Trust claim their intention is to make collecting hearing aids 'as convenient and easy as possible for patients,' but have come under fire from locals on social media who believe the move will only make things more difficult.

In a post on Facebook the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: "From tomorrow (Monday 4 August), hearing aid batteries will no longer be provided at reception at the following medical centres: Darlaston, Beechdale, Pinfold, Brace Street, and Parkview.

"Patients will need to collect batteries from the Audiology Department, Route 008 at the Manor Hospital, between 9.30 – 12.30 and 1.30 – 4.30pm instead.

"Alternatively, patients can send their details to us, plus a large letter stamp for return postage and we will post batteries out to them – they do not need to enclose a self-addressed envelope."

Facebook user Diana Milne commented: "Nonsensical. Who makes these decisions???"

Another user replied to the post saying: "I have to buy mine cus I can't justify the travel to the hospital and back as I don't drive just for a few packs and now I can't collect from anywhere closer either?"

Facebook user Donna Beckett added: "That's ridiculous! Who has time and money for that!"

Tina Harris, Principal Audiologist at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We want patients to be able to collect their hearing aid batteries as conveniently and easily as possible which is why we’ve asked them to do so through Walsall Manor Hospital.

“We no longer offer these via reception areas in our community health centres as we can’t guarantee staff will be available as they are busy doing various tasks through the day. Patients have told us this is unhelpful which is why we have switched collection to the hospital only, offering a postal service if people prefer.

“Patients may still be able to have their batteries via their registered GP practice but they need to check whether those arrangements are in place.”