Green Light Pharmacy Group, which operates 13 branches across London, made use of the Patient Access for Professionals platform to offer virtual consultations, allowing the pharmacy group to “reach a huge number of people we would not have been able to otherwise”, according to co-owner Paras Shah.

Patients can find and book appointments via the online platform, and join video consultations directly from their mobile device or laptop, the group explained.

Green Light’s pharmacists also have access to a “virtual marketplace”, where users can find and book the group’s services, such as medication reviews, blood pressure checks and travel vaccinations. 

Since the platform was rolled out 12 months ago, Green Light has seen 3,976 appointments made via the app, with the number of flu jabs they have given rising by 20%.

“We definitely would have struggled more during the pandemic without it,” Mr Shah said.

EMIS Health, the company that runs the platform, said the ability for patients to book video or telephone consultations with local pharmacies through the app during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped take the strain off GP surgeries.

Mr Shah added: “It has [also] helped keep our customers and staff safer, by reducing visits to the pharmacy. We haven’t had to close any of our branches for a single day.”

Around 10% of UK pharmacies using app

According to EMIS, some 1,333 community pharmacies across the UK have signed up to Patient Access for Professionals following a successful trial in 250 Day Lewis pharmacies last year.

Patients can book directly for services freely available at local pharmacies, such as flu jabs, smoking cessation support and emergency contraception.