Boots UK and Macmillan to provide cancer support through pharmacies

Boots UK and Macmillan Cancer Support are teaming up to provide accessible guidance to cancer sufferers through pharmacy outlets across the country.

The organisations have allied to provide training for more than 500 Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists, who will be available to speak with in many Boots stores and can connect patients to information and local support networks.

It is the first time the role of pharmacist has been expanded to include this type of cancer information and support, with the move set to allow people to get the help they need in an accessible and trusted environment.

This comes after a recent YouGov study suggested that almost one-third of people affected by cancer feel they do not receive enough support outside of their healthcare team.

Alex Gourlay, chief executive of the health and beauty division at Alliance Boots, said: "The introduction of the Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist means that for the millions of customers that visit Boots pharmacies across the country, they can access increased cancer information and support."

The two organisations have been working together for some time, with Boots colleagues and customers raising 4.4 million pounds for Macmillan over the last two years.