Boots has welcomed pharmacy reforms in England announced by the government yesterday, with the health & beauty retailer confirming it plans to launch an NHS Pharmacy First Service in its stores early next year.
Under the service, pharmacists will be commissioned to offer advice and treatment, including prescription medicines where appropriate, for seven minor ailments including sore throats, insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Patients will be able to access the service with no appointment needed.
Other NHS services that the government confirmed will be expanded further into pharmacies in England include the NHS Pharmacy Contraceptive Service, which Boots will roll out in the coming months following a pilot in 22 stores, and the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service, which Boots already offers in most stores.
The retailer stated that the new and expanded NHS services being delivered in community pharmacies was good news for patients, pharmacy teams and GPs alike.
Seb James, Managing Director of Boots UK & Ireland, commented: “We welcome the government’s announcement of plans to launch new contraception and minor ailments services in England, which will make life easier for patients to access the care and medicines they need quickly and help reduce GP wait lists.
“We have been working with our pharmacy teams in stores to roll out these new services to patients in England. We are already commissioned to deliver similar services for the NHS in Scotland and Wales, and these are very popular with our patients and pharmacy team members.”
NAM Implications:
- Boots have to occupy this space fully and fast…
- i.e. with Amazon waiting in the wings to scoop the lot.
