The first GPs’ surgery in a supermarket is being piloted in Manchester.

Sainsbury’s at Heaton Park will run the medical centre in a six-month trial, providing doctors in normal business hours and during two evenings and Saturdays.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust developed the scheme, which uses doctors from local surgeries. The work is in addition to their current roles.

The GPs working from a fully equipped consultation room at Sainsbury’s instore pharmacy will have full access to patients’ records via their own laptops and be able to make refer-rals or update records.

Mohammed Jiva, a GP from Middleton, said: “Patients’ needs are changing and so it’s important that we find ways to provide a more flexible and convenient service. A number of practices in the local area have already come on board.”

Justin King, the chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “This is a ground-breaking partnership that supports the Government’s wider aims to make healthcare more accessible.”

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