Care At The Chemist (Minor Ailment Service) - Sefton

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board has concluded a procurement process under the title "Care At The Chemist (Minor Ailment Service) - Sefton," which falls within the health services industry category. The contract was awarded as part of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, excluding the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The contract involves the provision of services across multiple pharmacies in the Sefton area, including South Sefton and Southport and Formby.

The procurement was completed using a limited method without a prior call for competition. The contract commenced on 1st April 2025 and is set to expire on 31st March 2026. The process was finalised following an approval by the Finance, Investment, Resources Committee in November 2024, recognising any conflict of interest managed under a set policy.

This tender presents a significant growth opportunity for pharmacies, particularly those already operating in the Cheshire and Merseyside region. By providing minor ailment advice and treatment, the awarded pharmacies can play a vital role in easing the demand on other healthcare services such as GP practices and A&E departments. This creates opportunities for small and medium-sized pharmacies to expand their service offerings and increase foot traffic and revenue.

Larger pharmacy chains also stand to benefit by reinforcing their presence in local communities. The nature of the Provider Selection Regime allows multiple suppliers to be engaged, promoting inclusive participation and possibly encouraging future collaborations amongst regional healthcare providers.