Patients could soon attend a doctors appointment while doing their weekly shop after Medicspot announced a partnership with Asda.
The digital healthcare company is working with the supermarket to offer in-store GP video consultations, including diagnostics.
It sees Asda become the first UK supermarket to offer and in-store GP service. Patients will be able to speak to a GP and pick up their prescription in the same trip.
Unlike other video consultations, Medicspot will provide patients with access to a connected stethoscope, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, contactless thermometer, and a close inspection camera to check the ear, nose and throat, allowing doctors to examine patients during the appointment.
Doctors will provide patients with advice on how to use the diagnostic tools before conducting an examination. All appointments will take place inside a confidential consulting room within Asda.
Dr Zubair Ahmed, chief executive at Medicspot, said: “Delivering healthcare from locations where patients normally go in the course of their day to day activities is a natural progression as patients start demanding more accessible healthcare.
“We are looking forward to working with Asda to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time at the right place so healthcare can be delivered optimally.”
Faisal Tuddy, superintendent pharmacist at Asda, added: “We are very excited about this partnership as Asda strongly believes that giving patients easier access to high-quality healthcare will improve health outcomes.
“Medicspot’s innovative remote examination technology will allow patients to receive the care they need with diagnosis and treatment happening from the same convenient location.”
The service can be used on-demand without the need to book an appointment in advance, but online bookings will also be available for those who want to guarantee a time slot with a Medicspot GP.
It will initially be launched at the Asda Supercentre in Stevenage at a cost of £49 per appointment.