Sainsbury and Boots team up
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SHOPPERS will soon be able to drop their prescriptions into the trolley alongside the weekly purchases after a deal between the Sainsbury supermarket group and Boots, the chemist chain, writes Gail Counsell.
Boots is to open concessionary pharmacies in seven Sainsbury stores in St Albans, Ipswich, Dulwich, Camberley, Poole, Sevenoaks and Hemel Hempstead. As well as dispensing drugs, the pharmacies, to be operated on a trial basis, will stock Boots health and beauty products and offer a film developing service.
Analysts said the move appeared defensive for Boots. Two other supermarket groups, Safeway and Tesco, have acquired their own pharmacy licences and have had dispensaries on trial in a small number of stores for some time.
In the past the limited number of licences for sale has restricted growth. But changes in the way in which pharmacists are paid by the NHS will put the emphasis on economies of scale and are likely to force more small pharmacies to sell.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments