Superdrug Stores Plc launched its first website (www.superdrug.com/health)
on September 13. The site offers health advice and on-line dispensing of National
Health Service and private prescriptions. Online sales of medicines and health
products are to be offered through the site from November.
According to the website, patients can have prescriptions dispensed simply by
e-mailing the content of the prescription and contact details to the company.
Requests will be dealt with “in the most appropriate way”. The site
also says that once electronic prescriptions are permitted by the Government,
“the process will be even simpler” and that dispensed medicines will
be delivered to patients’ homes or to local Superdrug pharmacies.
Mr Barry Simner (pharmacy general manager, Superdrug) told The Journal on September
19 that for the majority of patients the most appropriate way might be to visit
a local Superdrug pharmacy. However, being forewarned of the contents of the
prescription, and having contact details, might allow other action to be taken
if necessary, including referral to another pharmacy, he added.