While not a new trend, recent innovations spark debate on the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services in supermarkets

Healthcare globally faces challenges, with the UK grappling with workforce shortages and increasing NHS wait lists.

Diagnostic demand surged post-COVID-19, with 1.6 million people in the UK awaiting tests in March 2024—a 106% increase over a decade.

The pandemic exposed many healthcare gaps, resulting in UK supermarkets offering at-home diagnostic kits. 

Checking your blood pressure could be as simple as your weekly shop

UK retailers and grocers are meeting the growing demand for accessible healthcare.

In 2023, John Lewis & Partners, a British brand of high-end department stores, opened in-store health clinics offering tests for vitamin deficiencies and hormone imbalances in partnership with Randox Health, a UK-based health diagnostics company. That same year, Tesco, the UK supermarket company, launched at-home health tests for early detection of bowel cancer and kidney disease.

Asda, a British supermarket and petrol station chain, also began offering NHS diabetic eye screening with InHealth, the UK-based diagnostics and imaging service company, providing digital retinal imaging to detect sight-threatening conditions in people with diabetes and coordinating swift referrals with the NHS and local hospitals.

Addressing the 4 million people in the UK that may have undiagnosed high blood pressure

The British Heart Foundation warns that up to four million people may have undiagnosed high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. The NHS estimates that local pharmacy blood pressure checks could prevent over 5,000 heart attacks and 8,000 strokes, potentially saving more than 4,000 lives over the next five years.

However, 70% of men and 67% of women in Britain skip routine health checks annually. By comparison, research shows Britons are more likely to service their cars (64%) and boilers (58%) each year than to attend medical exams (31%).

In response, Tesco started offering thousands of free blood pressure checks in its pharmacies to identify and prevent high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Jason Tarry, CEO, UK & ROI at Tesco said in a statement, “Reducing high blood pressure is one of the biggest changes people can make to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes, but most people don’t realise that they can get their blood pressure checked for free, without an appointment, at an in-store Tesco pharmacy.”

Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, highlighted that, amid immense pressure on the health service, making blood pressure checks and health information easily accessible in Tesco supermarkets could help millions improve their health and prevent numerous heart attacks and strokes.

Supermarkets to offer innovative testing methods

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition characterised by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, significantly raises the risk of stroke. To address this, researchers developed a novel approach using supermarket trolleys equipped with hand-held sensors that detect AF.

This system, known as the ‘MyDiagnostick ECG,’ integrated sensors into the handles of shopping trolleys to screen for AF as customers shop.

If the device detects irregularities suggestive of AF, an in-store pharmacist is alerted to visit the customer, perform a manual pulse check, and provide a referral to a cardiologist if needed. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and management of AF, leveraging the everyday setting of grocery shopping to improve public health.

This follows a trend seen in other health sectors, such as dentistry, with Dental Service Organisations (DSOs) such as MyDentist experiencing strong growth on the back of moving their provision into high-footfall consumer retail environments.

A model under evaluation

While there are numerous potential benefits to retailers and grocers entering the healthcare sector, their role in delivering healthcare services is still a matter of debate. While UK retailers seem bullish on offering health services, healthcare ventures by US retail giants such as Walmart have fallen flat.