BASILDON Hospital has released more details of its planned partnership with pharmacy chain Boots.

The Echo reported last week a new outpatients pharmacy was to open at the hospital as part of a £2.7million revamp.

Over the next two years the hospital wants to create what it terms a “retail environment” at its main entrance, with shops, cafes and a pharmacy.

The hospital says a temporary Boots pharmacy is likely to open in September, moving later into a shop at the revamped entrance.

Outpatients currently face long delays waiting prescriptions from the hospital’smain pharmacy, so a new on-site Boots would promise shorter waits and allow patients to collect medicine from other Boots branches in the area.

Hospital chief executive Clare Panniker said: “We know patients can get frustrated about having to wait too long for prescriptions from our busy pharmacy.

“This new arrangement will offer a speedier service and greater flexibility. It will also allow our pharmacy team to focus on ensuring the sickest patients – the ones staying in hospital – get their medication as quickly as possible.”