UK High Streets Could See £13 Billion Boost From Relocated Healthcare Services, Report Says

Relocating healthcare services to Britain's high streets could inject £13 billion into local economies and reduce strain on the National Health Service, according to a report commissioned by Boots and produced by consultancy firm Public First. The proposal envisions converting vacant retail spaces into neighborhood health hubs and diagnostic centers, while empowering existing pharmacies and opticians to offer a wider range of services.

These community-based centers could provide a variety of services, including scans, blood tests, vaccinations, eye care, weight-loss support, and blood pressure monitoring. Research indicates that 94% of adults would be more inclined to visit local shops and businesses if such healthcare services were readily available. The study forecasts that each additional healthcare visit to a high street would generate approximately £15 in spending at nearby establishments, contributing an estimated £13 billion annually to the high street economy.

The report, which surveyed 2,015 UK adults and utilized economic modeling, highlights the ongoing struggles of British town centers, which face challenges from empty storefronts, online competition, rising costs, and crime. Nearly half of adults surveyed believe their local high street is deteriorating, though 88% acknowledge its importance to their quality of life. Access to healthcare was identified as a significant local issue by 30% of respondents, second only to housing availability.

The report argues that by establishing healthcare providers as central 'anchor' services, the government could address both economic revitalization and healthcare accessibility. As an example, a former Wilko store in Barnsley's Alhambra Shopping Centre, transformed into an NHS health and wellbeing hub offering ophthalmology, optometry, and retinal screening, has reportedly led to 50,000 additional high street visits annually.

Furthermore, expanding services like Pharmacy First in England, which allows pharmacists to treat common ailments without a GP appointment, could shift 14.6 million appointments away from overstretched GP surgeries, potentially saving the NHS £314 million per year. This saving is equivalent to the salaries of 8,000 nurses or the acquisition of 425 MRI machines. The report also suggests that increased uptake of flu vaccinations could prevent 192 deaths and save 15 million working days, generating £3 billion in economic value. Similarly, greater provision of weight-loss medication and improved management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure could prevent millions of sick days and protect billions in annual economic output.

When asked about service utilization, 62% of respondents indicated they would use dental care more frequently if available locally, 57% would increase their use of health screening and diagnostic services, and 56% would seek more support for minor health conditions. Pharmacies are already a frequent destination on high streets, with adults visiting an average of 30 times per year.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock stated that the government's 10-Year Health Plan focuses on bringing care closer to communities, aligning with public desire for accessible services. He emphasized that utilizing optometrists and pharmacists and establishing neighborhood health centers would ease GP pressure, improve patient outcomes, revive communities, and boost the economy.

Anthony Hemmerdinger, managing director of Boots, noted that high street pharmacies are well-positioned to meet the demand for convenient, accessible healthcare. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the government on its High Streets strategy and the NHS 10-Year Plan to enhance care access, support community health, and contribute to thriving local high streets.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, added that broader reforms, including tackling crime, improving the planning system, and reducing business rates, are necessary to revitalize town centers and encourage business investment and vibrancy.