Superdrug is offering the at-home ‘health MOTs’ through a one-day scheme across selected stores, including Wimbledon and Marble Arch, as seasonal illnesses including flu, Covid and Strep A continue to put pressure on the NHS.
The kits, available from Thursday, January 22, are part of a wider effort to reduce demand on GP services and enable people to monitor their health quickly and easily at home.
Frederick Manduca, co-founder of Newfoundland Diagnostics—the company supplying the tests said: “Winter illnesses put huge pressure on both individuals and the healthcare system.
“By giving away at-home tests to thousands of people across London, we’re helping people check what’s going on before small issues become bigger problems.
“These tests allow people to assess their health quickly and confidently from home, helping them make informed decisions and easing unnecessary pressure on GP services.”
The range of free kits cover a variety of common winter illnesses and other health concerns, including flu, Covid-19, Strep A, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), alongside tests for iron deficiency, thyroid function, menopause and vitamin D levels.
Further MOTs, covering bowel health, stomach ulcers, kidney health, ovulation, and male fertility are also available, with the combined value of the MOT kits costing a combined value of £111.33 if bought separately.
The one-day initiative is supported by Newfoundland Diagnostics, and comes as GP appointments become more difficult to access.
Latest NHS data reveals that around 1.7 million appointments in England involved waits of four weeks or more.
National health data shows flu rates climbing sharply in early January, with Covid-19 infections also rising.
Several NHS trusts have declared critical incidents in recent weeks following spikes in A&E admissions.
The scheme offers an alternative option for people with mild symptoms who are unsure whether they need to see a doctor.
Many of the tests can deliver results in minutes, offering either reassurance or a prompt to seek medical help.
A negative result may give patients confidence to rest and recover at home, while a positive one can help them identify when medical intervention is needed.
