National Co-operative Chemists has launched a website that offers on-line pharmacy consultations, as well as general health advice and on-line shopping.
The NCC announced on June 26 that visitors to the website (www.co-oppharmacy.co.uk) could send inquiries on health topics to a panel of specialist clinical pharmacists who would provide detailed personal replies within two working days.
In a statement, Mr Roy Carrington (chief executive officer, NCC) said: "We have designed the site to be as user-friendly as possible and to provide a genuinely useful service to our regular customers, as well as to casual browsers. No other pharmacy chain is offering anything as comprehensive as this."
The website has been designed by a pharmacist (Mr Derek Drury) who joined NCC as information systems development manager last November. Mr Drury said: "Having the site designed by a pharmacist is a distinct advantage and gives us a professional edge. Although we are unable to dispense prescriptions or sell medicines because of legal and ethical considerations, we believe our internet address gives customers the nearest thing possible to a complete on-line pharmacy."

Co-op offers on-line shopping, advice and a branch location service