Healthcare
First
So how will we grow our pharmacy business?
The first push is to improve convenience. We are opening new pharmacies, with 31 new contracts granted so far this year, of which 20 are already trading, and we have an internet based offer. We have worked to improve the in-store experience so people are served faster and better, with more expert advice available.
Secondly, we have moved to improve our service. We have continued to grow our business under the Prescription Collection Service where we collect scripts straight from GP surgeries and have the medication waiting for customers when they come into stores. We have also been pushing further and faster with the Monitored Dosage System, under which we provide pre-packaged drugs for safe and easy use by care homes.
Thirdly, wherever possible we have tried to make the best use of our people in stores, with a new pharmacy operating model rolled out to over 300 stores. This speeds up the dispensing process and frees up more time to spend with customers. This is a new initiative but early indications are encouraging with an uptick in volume growth and lower operating costs in the pharmacy.
