Independent chain Well Pharmacy has launched two mobile health clinics in a bid to make healthcare services more accessible in local communities.
The specially equipped clinics have been created with two consultation rooms inside, and a bespoke awning to make healthcare services fully accessible to everyone.
Two pharmacists will be available from each van with the aim of protecting 200 people from the flu virus each day. They will also be offering more routine healthcare services, such as blood pressure checks.
Initially partnering with, among others, Co-op, EDF and Bestway Wholesale, over the next eight weeks Well’s clinics will be visiting 35 locations across England, from Prudhoe in Northumberland to Trago Mills in Newton Abbot.
Each local community will be invited to book a flu jab appointment in advance online, or simply walk in on the day.
Ifti Khan, pharmacy superintendent from Well Pharmacy, said: “Launching the mobile health clinics is something we are very passionate about.
"Across the UK there are deep-running health inequalities when it comes to accessing healthcare, driving poor health outcomes for some in society.
“Our aim is to support both existing and new communities, drive health prevention and better outcomes for more people across the UK. This is especially important for those at higher risk of ill-health who have little contact with the wider healthcare system."
Gill Stone, NHS standards and services lead, said: "Experts are predicting a difficult flu season with a surge of respiratory viruses because the UK population had limited exposure to these viruses last year as a result of lockdown restrictions.
"Our mobile health clinics will launch with a focus on protecting as many people from flu as possible this autumn."
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
