Pharmacy2U has launched a “transformative new digital health and wellbeing hub” which combines multiple services into one place in a bid to give patients “better control of their health”.
The hub, which is also available as an app, brings together pharmacy, online GP consultations, NHS, vet, health and wellbeing services “into a single platform”, it said.
“[It promises] to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for those preferring to do as much of this as possible online”, the multiple added.
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The platform allows patients to track orders, appointments and deliveries “in the same place” and “coming soon” users will also be able to “check the availability of medicines,” Pharmacy2U said.
“A single platform also makes it easier for pharmacists and doctors to recommend products and services that can improve overall health and wellbeing, helping to reduce the chances of future illness,” it added.
Greater control
According to Pharmacy2U, the platform addresses “all three of the stated priorities in the government’s 10-year plan for the NHS: a move from analogue to digital, hospital to primary care, and cure to prevention”.
And it added that “the app has already shot to #2 in the App Store, close behind the NHS App as patients look for a greater sense of control over their health”.
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Services on the new digital platform include:
- NHS prescriptions – free, fully tracked delivery of NHS prescriptions
- Carer’s accounts – to manage prescriptions on behalf of others
- NHS services – including Pharmacy First and the pharmacy contraception service
- Online doctor – consultations for 17 conditions including sexual health, weight loss and skin concerns
- Pet health – low-cost vet medication and pet products
- Health & Wellness shop – 4,000+ great-value products and bundles
- Health hub & NHS tools – for health advice on the go
- Trials & Studies – the opportunity to take part in preventative studies and trials as Pharmacy2U continues to pave the way in the digital health space
The app will also include “access to customer support through in-app live chat, plus personalised pharmacist recommendations”, the multiple said.
“Streamlined platform”
Pharmacy2U chief executive Kevin Heath said that the provision of healthcare in the UK is often “fragmented” and added that “accessing it can be a confusing experience for patients”.
“Our goal is to put patients back in control of their health, and developing one single streamlined platform to take the pain out of the process is our answer,” he said.
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“Technology is the answer to so many of the challenges we face today, but it needs to be developed and deployed with human needs at heart,” Heath added.
“The government has clearly indicated that it wants to shift the focus of healthcare from hospital to community, treatment to prevention, and analogue to digital, and I’m pleased that we’re able to contribute to all three of those goals with this new app,” he said.
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It comes after Pharmacy2U bought “leading veterinary online pharmacy” The PharmPet Co in May for “an undisclosed sum”.
“The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions…as it expands its portfolio to include pet health services”, the pharmacy said at the time.
