CityDoc and NPA forge alliance to help pharmacies

Private healthcare provider CityDoc has partnered with the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) in its bid to widen a "nationwide network of vaccine clinics" to increase footfall to community pharmacies that come onboard.

The company says NPA member pharmacies that join the network will have their own dedicated page on the CityDoc website, while benefiting from having online marketing done on their behalf via an extensive Google AdWords campaign and local listings optimization -- all paid for by CityDoc.

The participating pharmacies will also have access to their own booking system, marketing materials and access to the latest vaccine and private healthcare information.

NPA member Nick Daines, who runs Lifestyle Pharmacy in Bath, said he has partnered with CityDoc for six years and seen “a significant increase in revenue from private services.”

He added:  “The CityDoc partnership has allowed us to establish Lifestyle Pharmacy as a go-to venue for healthcare within Bath.

“We have seen significantly increased footfall thanks to our partnership with CityDoc, which in turn has allowed us to grow the NHS and retail aspects of the business.”

Simon Tebbutt, director of membership at the NPA, said: “We’re pleased to be offering members the support that CityDoc provides. The team there have worked hard to bring new services to market and help drive footfall into pharmacies.

“Many of our members are developing their private service offering, to expand the range of support available beyond the NHS. Amongst the most popular private services offered are travel vaccinations and point of care testing.

“Pharmacies are no longer just a place to pick up prescriptions – people are sometimes surprised by the range of support available, both privately and on the NHS.”

Jeremy Garman, managing director at CityDoc, says he is delighted to agree this deal with the NPA and, in the process, become one of its valued partners.

He said, “As demonstrated throughout the Covid vaccine deployment, pharmacies have and continue to play a fundamental role in the provision of health services in our communities. CityDoc’s deal with the National Pharmacy Association means more community pharmacists stand to benefit from our trusted distribution network.

“Vaccines have a massive, and growing impact on the future of preventative healthcare. We strongly believe as we embark on the road out of Covid restrictions, pharmacies will continue to provide a range of vaccinations in the community.”

NPA members get a discounted rate of a £15 booking fee to patients and are able to utilize their own PGDs to provide services.