A major pharmacy programme was launched last month to tackle conditions like diabetes, cancer and heart and circulatory diseases.

Tesco, with support from Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, has developed a collection of e-learning models to help its pharmacists support people living with the conditions and those who are at risk of developing them.

The Let’s Talk pharmacy programme modules include condition-specific training on diabetes, cancer and heart and circulatory diseases, along with modules on risk factors, prevention and behavioural change.

Pharmacists who successfully complete the training will wear a ‘Let’s Talk’ badge. 

The charities and Tesco have embarked on the programme after they commissioned a YouGov survey which revealed one in 10 adults in Britain have turned to their local pharmacy for advice and information on lowering their risk of serious health conditions.

The survey suggested many people could be missing out on opportunities to access free advice via their local pharmacies that could help them make life-changing improvements to their health.

The survey also found that, of those who had visited a pharmacist for health-related advice or checks, 43% said talking to a pharmacist had eased their concerns around wasting their GP’s time.

Dan Howarth, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said: “We’re proud to be working together with Tesco to help deliver this world-class training to Tesco pharmacists and pharmacy colleagues.

“Thousands of lives could be saved every year through people making positive changes that lower their risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart and circulatory diseases.

“Far more people could be taking advantage of the advice and support available to them from their Tesco pharmacy whilst they do their weekly shop, this includes tips and information on stopping smoking and weight management services.”