Tesco has teamed up with three healthcare charities to provide specialist training to pharmacy teams around cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

BHF, Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK have worked with Tesco Pharmacy to deliver training to pharmacists and their colleagues on conversations with the public, including lifestyle-based risk reduction measures and appropriate signposting.

A YouGov survey commissioned as part of the new partnership found that just nine per cent of British adults have come to their pharmacy for advice on managing their risk of serious health conditions.

Of those who had sought health advice at a pharmacy, 24 per cent said they found it easier to speak there than in other healthcare settings, while 53 per cent said not having to book an appointment was a key benefit. 

Tesco head of pharmacy Paul Pilkington said: “Our Tesco pharmacy colleagues can provide information, resources and support on ways to help reduce your risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease. They are available for a private and confidential chat in our pharmacy consultation room, something 15 per cent of people said was a benefit of visiting a pharmacy for information and/or advice about a health-related concern. 

“As part of our role in supporting community health, we are encouraging customers to shop for affordable, healthy and sustainable food.  Now, we want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources and support available in Tesco pharmacies to help people live healthier.”

Diabetes UK’s Dan Howarth said: “We’re proud to be working together with Tesco to help deliver this world-class training to Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy colleagues.  

“Thousands of lives could be saved every year through people making positive changes that lower their risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart and circulatory diseases.

"Far more people could be taking advantage of the advice and support available to them from their Tesco pharmacy whilst they do their weekly shop, this includes tips and information on stopping smoking and weight management services.”