Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Publix to open health clinics


Publix Super Markets and The Little Clinic LLC have signed an exclusive agreement to open medical clinics within Publix stores. The first clinics will be located in the Atlanta, Miami, Orlando and Tampa markets in the first half of 2006.

"We are pleased to select The Little Clinic, a leading provider of convenient, walk-in clinics, to offer our Publix customers quality care," said Maria Brous director of media and community relations. "We admire The Little Clinic's focus on customer service and commitment to wellness programs."

The Little Clinic health care centers will be staffed by nurse practitioners who can write prescriptions, provide diagnosis and treatment of common ailments and minor injuries and offer wellness care like physicals, screenings and vaccinations. They will be open seven days a week and most services are expected to cost less than $50.

"We're delighted to work with Publix as we execute our strategy to significantly expand our presence inside well-recognized retail stores," said Bruce Peacock, CEO of The Little Clinic. "This agreement marks an important step in The Little Clinic's expansion plans throughout the United States. We share Publix's commitment to superior customer service and look forward to helping Publix further serve its customers as we install The Little Clinic health care centers in select Publix stores."

"The commitment by quality retailers is a very strong endorsement of this form of health care delivery for consumers who are demanding greater convenience and affordability," said Molly Ashby, founder and CEO of Solera Capital LLC, the majority owner of The Little Clinic. "We are especially pleased that Publix, a company recognized for innovation and superior customer experience, has selected The Little Clinic as its exclusive provider."