Boots has launched the NHS Pharmacy First service across all its stores in England as it undergoes “one of the most significant changes” in its 175-year history.
Boots stores in England will now offer customers access to advice and treatment, including some prescription-only medicines, for seven common conditions as part of its new NHS Pharmacy First service.
Starting today, the new service allows patients to get treatment for seven common ailments, including sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, without a GP appointment or prescription.
The service is free at the point of access and patients will only be charged for any over-the-counter medicine purchased. In the case of prescription-only medication, a standard NHS prescription levy will be charged to those not eligible for free NHS prescriptions.
The rollout follows the success of similar initiatives in Scotland and Wales.
With 2,100 stores across the country, the UK’s largest health and beauty retailer said over 80% of the population lives within 10 minutes of a Boots store and the new initiative will make “patient care for these minor ailments more convenient and accessible than ever before.”
Seb James, managing director of Boots UK and Ireland, said: “The launch of Pharmacy First in England is good for patients, pharmacy teams and GPs, and follows the success of similar initiatives in Scotland and Wales.
“The service makes it quicker and easier for patients to access the advice, care and treatment they need, allows our pharmacy team members to further utilise their professional skills and reduces pressures on GP surgeries.
“It is one of the most significant changes in how we can serve our customers and patients in our 175-year history.”
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