Push Doctor, the leading digital healthcare company, has partnered with Well Pharmacy, to launch the country’s first pharmacy-first digital service in Plymouth.
The pilot scheme is providing over 50,000 patients living in the area with direct access to local community pharmacists via the Push Doctor platform.
It is estimated that one-third of GP appointments nationally could be treated by pharmacists who are clinically trained to treat minor ailments such as eczema, hay fever, indigestion, and cystitis.
By adopting a pharmacy-first approach, patients who access the Push Doctor platform with such concerns will be directed to a pharmacist who will be able to offer quick and effective treatment online. This will free up GP appointments for those with serious or chronic health issues, easing the burden on the local NHS at a time of unprecedented demand. The service is now available at four GP surgeries across the Plymouth Sound primary care network: Oakside Surgery, Friary House Surgery, Estover Surgery and Elm Surgery.
By using the Push Doctor platform patients will be able to access a highly trained Well Pharmacist flexibly at a time that suits them. Patients can conduct digital consultations using any device with video capability and internet connection. These consultations are COVID safe, confidential, and conducted at no additional cost to the NHS.
Over the next six months Push Doctor and Well will be increasing the number of surgeries offering digital pharmacist consultations, with Well looking to recruit more clinical pharmacists as the partnership expands.
Wais Shaifta, chief executive, Push Doctor, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Well Pharmacy to provide the residents of Plymouth with better access to primary care. By directing patients to the most appropriate clinician in the first instance we can treat them faster and more effectively, delivering better health outcomes across the local area.
“By fully utilising the skill and expertise of pharmacists, we will remove non-essential footfall for GP practices, freeing up more time for GPs to see patients with more serious medical issues.
“We hope this will be the start of a new pharmacy-first delivery model that will set up a future digital NHS across the country.”
Seb Hobbs, CEO, Well Pharmacy, said:
“Through this unique, pharmacy-first approach our aim is to provide the local community with increased access to our highly trained pharmacists who are skilled at treating a variety of health conditions.
“Throughout the pandemic pharmacists across the UK have shown that they can help take some of the pressure off the NHS and GPs. Our partnership with Push Doctor, once again shows the important role pharmacists have within the healthcare system. We are pleased to offer flexible pharmacy services to a greater number of people across Plymouth and contribute to sustainable health services in the local area.”
For more information visit www.pushdoctor.co.uk
