Boots mulls introduction of UK chemotherapy services

Boots pharmacies could soon allow cancer patients to undergo chemotherapy in community settings, under new plans from the Alliance Boots group.

Mark Stephenson, managing director for the organisation's specialist services division Alcura, told Chemist and Druggist that bosses are considering the introduction of chemotherapy services similar to those provided by Alliance Boots' US partner Walgreens.

Cancer patients can already receive oncology medication from the Boots pharmacy in the Christie Hospital cancer centre and other branches in the area, while a phlebotomy service is offered at one of its Solihull outlets.

However, representatives from Alcura noted that the Walgreens chemotherapy service model would need to be amended to ensure it could work within the broader structure of the NHS.

Mr Stephenson said: "We'll have to find a way. If this is going to work, it's going to be right for the patient, right for the NHS and right for us. At least there's a model to look at there."

This comes after Alliance Boots increased its investment in UK hearing care services by expanding its partnership with Sonova Holding in February 2013.