From 5 September 2019, Boots UK is working with LIVI¹ to pilot an innovative new video GP service to help make access to healthcare even easier.

In England, GP contracts state that all patients should have access to online and video consultations by 2021²as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

LIVI allows patients to see a GP by video consultation in a Boots store, at a time that is convenient to them. Using a confidential pharmacy consultation room and instore tablet computer, a LIVI GP can provide patients with trusted medical advice, diagnostics, referrals and prescriptions, delivering end to end healthcare in minutes.

All LIVI GPs are GMC registered, UK-qualified, and specially trained in ‘web-side manner’ to offer the best medical advice. A Boots pharmacist will support the patient on arrival and offer follow-on services and counselling on medication after the appointment when required, bringing together two key strands of Primary Care to improve patient outcomes.

This new service also means customers who don’t have smartphones can benefit from the convenience of using technology to see a GP, increasing equitable access to digital healthcare.

Paul Dunne, Transformation Director, Boots UK, said: “Technology is changing the face of pharmacy and in this digital age, we know our patients, and their carers, want convenient, simple and accessible solutions to manage and take control of their health. Our collaboration helps make this new, digital model of care a more mainstream part of the NHS and has huge potential to alleviate the growing pressure on our healthcare system.”

Luke Buhl-Nielsen, LIVI UK Country Director, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Boots to help more patients access quality healthcare at a time and place that suits them best. We believe that the health system should be more responsive to the needs of patients; digital health tech, such as LIVI, is the key to unlocking a more responsive and flexible health service. LIVI lessens the burden on the NHS – using technology to reduce missed appointments, lower costs, and improve care.”

The LIVI video GP service is initially piloting an NHS service in North West Surrey and a private service in Boots London Liverpool Street store³.

This pilot is part of Boots UK’s larger plans to create a market-leading omni-channel pharmacy experience. Earlier this year, Boots introduced a Free Online NHS Repeat Prescription Service, a Cystitis Test and Treat Service in almost 300 stores, and VOYCE, an innovative interpretation service for non-English speaking pharmacy patients.

 

 

¹ LIVI’s healthcare services are operated by Digital Medical Supply UK Limited (11126560) - 20 Whitechapel Road London E1 1EW United Kingdom.

²  https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/01/five-year-deal-to-expand-gp-services-and-kick-start-nhs-long-term-plan-implementation/

³  The LIVI video GP service will be trialled in the Boots Peacock Centre store, 24-26 Bandstand Mall, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GB. The trial at the London Liverpool Street is planned to launch on 30 September 2019.