Alphega Pharmacy unveils new patient app

Alphega Pharmacy has announced the launch of a new patient-facing app to cater to the growing demand for digital solutions to fulfil prescriptions and other healthcare service requirements.

Developed in conjunction with Healthera for Alphega’s network of over 1,000 pharmacy members, the app is expected to help them stand out among the ever growing list of competitors who offer a digital service for prescription ordering.

“This is a great opportunity for our members to offer a first class digital experience to their patients,” commented Raj Nutan, head of Alphega Pharmacy UK.

“The app provides a leading digital customer service offering to really drive retention, cultivate loyalty and grow additional revenue. We are very excited to see how the app can really support our members and their patients.”

The key features of the app include Repeat Prescription Ordering, giving immediate access to over 8,000 GP surgeries (IM1 integration, NHS Email and Fax) for patient initiated ordering and NHS Email ordering which is available for patients in Wales or Scotland, or without an NHS Linkage Key.

The pharmacy teams can speak directly with customers through an online portal built in the app and send notifications or messages to all customers who use the app. Patients can view the NHS and private services offered by the pharmacy and book appointments.

Other features of the app include online payments, ‘Carer’ mode allowing family members to manage medicines for their relatives, prescription tracking, real time patient messaging and co-branding opportunities to help reinforce loyalty.

Quintus Liu, chief executive of Healthera, noted that the app, available to download to any mobile device, can drive revenue and save time as well for pharmacies.

“As a business we have seen how the app can not only help support pharmacies drive revenue through dispensing volume growth, but also significant time savings in pharmacy of an average of around 105.5 hours per year via Rx orders going through the app rather than on the phone, emails or tokens,” Liu said.

“It’s great to see that Alphega Pharmacy realise the huge benefits of offering the patient app to their members, therefore driving the digital agenda in the field of independent pharmacy,” he added.

With big four online pharmacy chains (Boots, Well, Echo, Pharmacy2U) experiencing significant increases in electronic prescription service items claimed in the period of March to May 2020, the app provides independent pharmacy teams with a turn-key solution to navigate the changing consumer habits induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Alphega Pharmacy members will receive preferred rates for the service.