Lloydspharmacy is to roll out its online doctor service to about 300 stores this year as it seeks to drive its health-related sales.
The online doctor service offers private consultations on issues such as hair loss, malaria, impotence and oral contraception. The patients’ details are viewed by a remote doctor online and a prescription is then fed back.
The pharmacy chain has trialled its online doctor service in six stores in the Southwest and will now roll it out across the UK.
Lloydspharmacy managing director Richard Smith said: “Many customers don’t necessarily have time to go to their usual doctors and find going to the pharmacy much more convenient. Once the doctor has sent the details, the pharmacist can make up the prescription.”
The move forms part of Lloydspharmacy’s attempt to make healthcare more accessible for customers.
It already has 500 health centres with pharmacies in the same building, consultation rooms in about 95 per cent of pharmacies, and care rooms – which offer more detailed consultations – in about 200 shops.
The chain also opened its first concession in Selfridges earlier this year.
This week Lloydspharmacy will launch an ad campaign to reinforce its new brand position, with the strapline “Healthcare for life”.
Smith said the campaign signifies all the work the chain has done to reposition itself, such as banning the sale of suncream under factor 15 and taking out lines such as crisps.
The pharmacy chain will also expand its range of medical electricals, such as its allergy reliever.
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