During the pandemic the growth of online interaction and repeat prescription services hit hard. The rise of digital fast-tracked the need for pharmacies to get on board also to offer remote services to patients such as text messaging and the combination of an online service and in person presence.
As you may have seen, in April, PHOENIX UK announced it had invested in a new digital offering designed to help independent pharmacies compete against the likes of Pharmacy2U.
The acquisition of Co-op Health is a game changer for the membership
This popular and successful digital prescription service enables people to order medication via an app or over the web for collection at a local pharmacy or for home delivery. Demand for the app has grown rapidly in recent years and PHOENIX intends to take it to the next level through its Numark network.
Our ambition is to transform this platform into a must-have digital asset for Numark members. The intention is to create a product that will empower people with choice and help them receive health advice from their local Numark pharmacy on their terms, when they need it, as well as a highly convenient prescription service.
Pharmaceutical care is not simply picking up a prescription or having it delivered at home. People need support and advice when taking medication, particularly if they have multiple medical conditions.
A pharmacist intervention can quite literally save lives
That is the critical role which community pharmacy plays as the third pillar in our healthcare system; a pharmacist intervention can quite literally save lives.
Digital and physical access need to be two sides of the same coin; each complementing and supplementing the other. Too often we see companies offering digital services which seek to bypass and commercially undermine local community pharmacies our aim is to produce a product that will link a customer to their community pharmacy.
We intend to offer a market-disruptive alternative: bricks and mortar aligned with digital outreach which combines the convenience of online access for patients with the personal face-to-face professional advice people need.
Over the coming months and as part of our commitment to you, our members, we will support you to embrace and engage in a digital era.