Tesco is trialling a “new store concept” in three of its supermarkets, partnering with private health providers to offer remote and in-store services delivered by pharmacists and other health professionals.

The supermarket chain has partnered with Bupa to offer services including earwax removal, weight management support and virtual GP appointments without the need for health insurance or Bupa membership. 

It is also partnering with other private providers to offer services including oral hygiene advice and menopause symptom support in the “health zones,” the first of which will soon launch in the refurbished Cheshunt Extra store.

Stores in Hexham and West Durrington will follow in 2025 “and if the pilot is successful more could be rolled out across the country in the future”.

The chain currently operates 365 pharmacies in some of its larger stores out of a total estate of 2,048 Tesco branches. 

Ashwin Prasad, chief commercial officer at Tesco, commented: “Good health starts with good food, but it also relies on people being able to get the right support, advice and care as early as possible to help prevent ill health and not just manage it. 

“Our new pilot means customers visiting our Cheshunt Extra store – and other stores in coming months – can now get advice from one of our pharmacists or specialist partners, book a GP appointment for a time that suits them and pick up healthy food, prescriptions and nutrition supplements, all without making an extra trip. 

“We’ll be testing, learning and listening to feedback to understand what customers think and what further changes we can make to help them look after themselves and their families.”