The Co-operative Group has launched an app that will link patients directly to their GP surgeries, allowing them to order medicines and have them dispensed and collected from any pharmacy in England.

The Co-op Health app is an attempt by Co-op to tap into the online prescription market and drive growth in that area, with 80% of the one billion prescriptions dispensed in England each year for repeat orders.

Co-op said the app, the group’s first venture back into the health sector since it sold its bricks and mortar pharmacy business to Bestway for £620 million five years ago, has “67% coverage across England” which “will increase to 98% by the end of the year. “

“People can choose to have their medication dispensed by the Co-op Health’s Pharmacy and delivered directly to their home, work or any other address in the UK. Alternatively, they can choose to have their medication dispensed by and collected from any other pharmacy in England,” it said.

The Co-op will also trial a system that will allow patients to collect repeat prescriptions from click and collect lockers in its stores using a code or pin number and book GP appointments using the app.

“The pharmacy sector is at the start of a digital revolution as consumers increasingly look for more flexibility and convenience in accessing their medication,” said Co-op Health managing director Tim Davies.

“Our offer will give customers a range of ways to get hold of their medication, with the knowledge that the service is being provided by a brand they know and can trust, in a way that best suits them.

“This app is just the start for our health business. We know 40% of the financial burden on the NHS is due to preventable diseases, and as we grow our health business we want to put the emphasis on proactive health care and empower people to take control of their own wellbeing.”

Picture: stevanovicigor (iStock)