Tesco is partnering with leading healthcare companies as part of a new concept that will offer people access to more health services in its supermarkets.
Visitors to the group’s refurbished Cheshunt Extra outlet will be able to get advice, treatment and virtual GP appointments for a range of health concerns in its first-ever dedicated health zone. The pilot concept will bring together food, health and wellness ranges, alongside enhanced pharmacy and healthcare services.
The additional healthcare services will be rolled out to two further stores (Hexham in Northumberland and West Durrington in West Sussex) in 2025. Tesco stated that if trials are successful, the concept could be rolled out to more sites.
Health appointments will take place in private consultation rooms. The facilities will offer access to a range of Bupa’s primary healthcare services, including virtual GP appointments, weight management support and earwax removal. The retailer noted that services will be competitively priced, with no need for health insurance or a Bupa membership.
Consultations with a clinician on managing menopause symptoms will also be available from online menopause clinic Stella.
Meanwhile, shoppers can get free advice on oral hygiene from a qualified Oral Health Educator in partnership with Haleon, the owner of brands such as Sensodyne, Corsodyl, and Aquafresh. There will also be free and impartial advice on offer from a healthcare professional on pregnancy and infant nutrition in partnership with Aptaclub.
And shoppers can make appointments with Our Future Health, a collaboration between the public, charity and private sectors to build the UK’s largest health research programme aimed at helping prevent, detect and treat diseases.
The move builds on Tesco’s existing in-store pharmacy offer, which serves half a million people a week across 365 pharmacies located in its larger stores.
Ashwin Prasad, Chief Commercial Officer at Tesco, said: “Good health starts with good food, but it also relies on people being able to get the right support, advice and care, as early as possible to help prevent ill health and not just manage it. With our network of stores and pharmacies in communities all over the UK, we are uniquely placed to help make food and healthcare accessible to our customers – and reduce some pressure on the NHS too.
“Our new pilot means customers visiting our Cheshunt Extra store – and other stores in coming months – can now get advice from one of our pharmacists or specialist partners, book a GP appointment for a time that suits them, and pick up healthy food, prescriptions and nutrition supplements, all without making an extra trip. We’ll be testing, learning and listening to feedback to understand what customers think and what further changes we can make to help them look after themselves and their families.”
NAM Implications:
- A no-brainer for grocery, especially Tesco.
- Anticipate a rapid roll-out.
