Boots has announced it will offer a new online consultation service for free to those affected by cancer.
Through a video consultation, using the Livi platform, people will be able to speak to a trained healthcare professional for free, a service that would usually cost £39.
Boots, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, has over 2,000 trained Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists (BMIPs), offering specialist information and support on cancer, its treatment and possible side effects.
Boots has worked with Livi, to make this service available digitally and free of charge so people who are shielding, or would prefer to stay at home, can still access important advice. The companies are also exploring how the technology can be used by Boots Pharmacists in other areas and earlier this year launched a GP service for customers.
Hafsa Dasu, Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacist, said: “We know that many people are nervous about going out, and access to healthcare professionals is restricted at the moment, so being able to access a pharmacist and ask questions that they might have forgotten to ask their consultant, or accessing some additional support because they might be feeling lonely or scared is so important.”
“I’ve been a BMIP for seven years now, and it is something that’s incredibly close to my heart after several people close to me have been affected by cancer. I feel very passionate about being able to help people and provide reassurance while they are often feeling at their most vulnerable.”
Dany Bell, Treatment, Medicines & Genomics Strategic Advisor at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Now, many people are also contending with isolation from loved ones as they continue to shield, uncertainty around treatment and concerns about their increased risk of contracting the virus. It is vital that people with cancer can continue to access support safely as lockdown eases, which is why we are delighted that the BMIP service is available online, allowing people to get support and advice from trained professionals from the comfort of their own homes.”
Juliet Bauer, UK MD of Livi, said: “Our partnership with Boots means those affected by cancer can quickly and safely consult with trained healthcare professionals. This is particularly paramount at this time, when access to healthcare may have been disrupted due to the pandemic.”
