New pharmacy rules open way for supermarkets
Checks and balances to protect local services
The UK government has opened the way for more supermarkets to operate pharmacies, but has stopped short of full deregulation in order to protect local pharmacy services.
Ministers have resisted moves to relax the rules entirely, but supermarkets and other retailers willing to open pharmacies for more than 100 hours each week will find it easier to get licences. The move will enable retailers such as Tesco and Asda to expand the number of stores which offer pharmacy services, although the 100-hour opening requirement will limit the number of stores where a pharmacy is feasible. Internet-only pharmacies will also be allowed.
The rules mean that pharmacies located in shopping centres over 15,000 sq m must be away from town centres. Pharmacies that agree to open for more than 100 hours per week must stick to this commitment, and those that are internet or mail-order based must provide a full professional service.
Pharmacies set up by consortia establishing ‘one-stop’ care centres must offer a wide range of primary care and community-based services in addition to GP services, such as dentistry, optometry, and podiatry.
Health minister Rosie Winterton said: “These reforms continue to support the government’s aim to put the needs of patients first, ensuring that local health services reflect the changing lifestyles and needs of patients. We are maintaining the vital role played by community pharmacies, particularly in poorer and rural areas, many of whom are small businesses.
“We are determined to improve access to, and the choice of, pharmacy services and to encourage innovation and excellence so that community pharmacy is recognised as a key player in the provision of NHS services.
“These reforms will provide an environment in which community pharmacy services can thrive.”
Boots, which has been developing more out-of-town outlets, said the changes would enable it to open around 50 more in-store pharmacies.
