// Boots boss has said the giant could “help solve the NHS crisis”
// Seb James said the group could be ready to provide support “within weeks”
Boots boss Seb James has said the pharmacy giant could “help solve the NHS crisis” if given the go ahead to provide more services.
The chief executive told This is Money the move could save the NHS almost £2 billion each year.
James said he wants those suffering from minor ailments to be able to visit their local chemist to reduce the pressure on the UK’s health service.
If given the green light, Boots pharmacies could be ready to provide support “within weeks”.
“We could help solve the NHS crisis,” said James.
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“We could make a massive dent in waiting times for GPs.
“And we could make a massive dent in waiting times for chronic care.”
Currently, pharmacies in England are not able to write free NHS prescriptions whereas those in Scotland and Wales can.
James said he wants the chain’s pharmacists to be able to prescribe medicine paid for by the NHS, which is currently only available through a GP or doctor.
Boots and other chemist chains are in talks with ministers over plans to change the current policy arguing it would provide the health service with “significant savings” and put it on a much more sustainable footing.
The group believes a change in policy in England would cut the need for 47 million GP appointments each year.
Boots director of healthcare development Marc Donovan said: “It is rather simple and could be rolled within weeks.
“The whole healthcare system is under pressure and there is a more efficient way of managing minor ailments in particular.”
Last week, the group reported retail sales rocketed 15% in December as it continued its focus on value and affordability for “life’s essentials”
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