From early 2020, Day Lewis will become the first UK pharmacy chain to roll out a branded version of the MedAdivsor app – which allows patients to order their repeat prescriptions and manage their medicines via their smartphone and internet devices – the technology company announced last week (August 1).

MedAdvisor has been working with NHS Digital to gain NHS-approved patient authentication processes for the app, as well as access to the electronic prescription service and GPs’ summary care records to check patients’ prescription history, the company told C+D.

The app is free for patients to download and will enable them to track the progress of their repeat prescription, plus access information about their medicines, MedAdvisor explained.

MedAdvisor will be charging a monthly recurring licence fee, as well as SMS messaging fees, to Day Lewis for each participating pharmacy, it added.

Commenting on the partnership, Day Lewis executive director Sam Patel said: “Our customers want convenience, choice and information underpinning quality use of medicines.

“By working with MedAdvisor and supporting its rollout in the UK, we can better deliver our company’s core purpose: to help people in the community stay healthy and feel better.”

Other pharmacies to follow

Following the Day Lewis rollout, MedAdvisor – which already operates medicines management apps for pharmacies in Australia, the USA and the Philippines – will look to offer the app to other pharmacies in the UK, it said.

Managing director Jamal Butt said: “It is exciting for us to be entering the UK market with a strong and differentiated customer proposition, and with the Day Lewis group, a large and respected brand in the UK.

“Helping people take control of their health is important and our solution, which fully supports the NHS long-term plan, will help improve medicines adherence and health outcomes for many people across the UK.”

Last week, C+D reported that patients will be able to book appointments at more than 250 Day Lewis branches via a separate smartphone app.