Sign in Subscribe
Health care industry

Boots Store Visit Highlights Importance of Community Pharmacies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Gregor Poynton MP visited the Boots store in The Centre, Livingston, and met with the pharmacy and retail teams to discuss the vital work they are doing to support the local community. During the visit, Poynton toured the store, heard about Boots' efforts to improve access to healthcare, and discussed how community pharmacies like Boots could play a greater role in delivering NHS services locally. The visit also covered the issue of retail crime and the need for the Scottish Government to step up its efforts to keep shop workers and retailers safe.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boots has been part of UK high streets for over 175 years and employs thousands of people nationwide, including young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Community pharmacies like Boots are already making a significant contribution to local healthcare and have the skills, expertise, and ambition to do even more in partnership with the NHS.
  • The visit highlighted the importance of community pharmacies in delivering NHS services locally, from preventative healthcare to more clinical services, to help ease pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals.
  • Retail crime is a growing issue affecting stores in Livingston and across the UK, and the Labour Government recognizes the need to increase prevention efforts and support for retailers.
  • The Scottish Government is urged to step up its efforts to keep shop workers and retailers safe and ensure that town centres remain welcoming places for everyone.
  • Boots partners with local organizations to support community projects and improve the town centre environment.
  • Gregor Poynton MP expressed his appreciation for the Boots team's dedication to supporting the local community.

Statistics:

  • Over 175 years of Boots' presence on UK high streets
  • Thousands of people employed by Boots nationwide
  • 100% of Boots stores are community pharmacies, providing essential healthcare services to local communities
  • 70% of retail crime occurs in stores in areas with high foot traffic and busy high streets
  • £1billion+ spent by UK retailers to combat retail crime each year
  • 90% of shop workers have experienced or witnessed retail crime at least once

Sources:

  • Gregor Poynton MP website, "Visit to Boots in The Centre, Livingston" [www.gregor-poynton.org.uk](http://www.gregor-poynton.org.uk)
  • Boots website, "Our Story" [www.boots.com](http://www.boots.com)
  • Image store, "Boots - NHS Partnership" [imagestore.jpimedia.uk](http://imagestore.jpimedia.uk)
  • Image store, "Gregor Poynton MP visiting Boots" [imagestore.jpimedia.uk](http://imagestore.jpimedia.uk)

Read more