Let pharmacies see NHS records says Boots boss

PHARMACIES should have access to customers’ NHS records so they can deliver more care and ease pressure on GPs, the boss of Boots says.

Seb James, managing director of the high street chain, said giving his staff permission to read and write notes would ‘enormously improve outcomes for patients’.

Mr James said a ‘lot of people’ struggled to access a family doctor and wants ministers to give pharmacists the power to take on some of the work. He added that his firm would be willing to conduct annual health checks and help patients manage their mental health, heart disease, diabetes and pain.

‘Just as we can advise our customers which skincare product might be suitable for them – patient care should be personalised and seamless, offering complete continuity between hospital, GPs and the local pharmacy.’

The Department of Health said: ‘Pharmacies in England already have access to summary care records. We are working with the NHS to explore how this can be expanded.’