Asda has introduced a revolutionary home heart test aimed to assist the NHS.
- These tests provide a full cholesterol profile, BMI score, heart age, and more.
- Results from the home tests can be shared with the NHS within nine minutes.
- The tests are available at a starting price of £9.95 in over 240 Asda pharmacies.
- This initiative is expected to save significant time for healthcare providers.
Asda has taken a significant step in promoting public health by launching a groundbreaking home heart test in collaboration with digital diagnostics company PocDoc. This test, which offers a comprehensive cholesterol profile, measures body mass index, calculates heart age, and estimates a 10-year risk for heart attacks or strokes. Notably, Asda is the first UK supermarket to provide such kits on its shelves, making them accessible to the public at a competitive starting price of £9.95 in 242 of its pharmacy locations.
An innovative feature of the PocDoc test lies in its integration with the NHS Health Check app, enabling seamless transmission of test results from home to healthcare providers in approximately nine minutes. This technological advancement is designed to enhance efficiency within the NHS, potentially saving up to 20 minutes per digital health check, thereby alleviating pressure on general practitioner appointments.
Faisal Tuddy, Asda’s Head of Pharmacy, articulated the company’s commitment to supporting local communities in improving long-term health outcomes. He emphasized the significance of addressing cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading global cause of mortality. By making these tests readily available, Asda aims to empower patients to take proactive steps in managing their health and mitigating risks associated with cardiovascular conditions.
Earlier this year, Asda also pioneered an online prescription service, collaborating with Pharmacy2U. This initiative allows patients to manage their prescriptions and arrange home deliveries, enhancing convenience for users. Such efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand healthcare services available through supermarkets, reflecting a growing trend in the integration of retail and health sectors.
Asda’s initiative to stock home heart tests marks a pivotal moment in increasing healthcare accessibility.
