Sainsbury’s to sell GPs to shoppers

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s says it will give GPs free room to set up in-store surgeries and help them to market their services to shoppers.

The grocery chain says it is exploring working with individual GPs, groups of GPs and practices, through to GP consortia. It is interested in possible delivery of core NHS services to secondary care diagnostics and private healthcare services.

In a letter to GP magazine Pulse, the supermarket chain said it wants to "explore and support" family doctors in offering in-store surgeries.

David Gilder, professional services manager for Sainsbury’s, said in the letter: "There can be no doubt that primary care faces challenging times.

"The new NHS white paper, coupled with the current financial crisis, poses a series of challenges for primary care that will require them to develop new and innovative ways to deliver healthcare to patients.

Mr Gilder added: "Recognising the tough economic climate and demand from customers who tell us that they are keen to see more GP services offered in store, Sainsbury’s has decided to provide the use of its consultation rooms to local GP practices without charge.

Pulse reported Gilder as writing: “Whether via the growth of individual practices, federations of practices or practice-based commissioners, Sainsbury’s is keen to explore and support local GPs and help them deliver everything from core NHS services to secondary care diagnostics to private healthcare to patients.”