BOOTS AND SPECSAVERS TO OFFER MORE NHS CARE SERVICES – The 10-year health plan would set out a much greater role for private companies
Companies such as Boots and Specsavers will offer more NHS care under plans to shift services onto the high street.
Wes Streeting said a 10-year health plan would set out a much greater role for private companies in carrying out checks normally done in hospitals.
The Health Secretary also said shifting care out of hospitals into the community would mean more services in shopping areas, close to people’s homes, to make them more convenient.
Mr Streeting said: “There’s a role for high street players like Boots and Specsavers to help cut NHS waiting lists and to help provide great care and services and advice to patients as part of the wider primary care team.”
Under the plans, GPs will take a bigger role in leading neighbourhood health services, which could bring a range of services together.
This could result in pharmacies offering a wider range of checks and services, and high street opticians carrying out assessments and diagnostics for common eye conditions, he suggested.
