Member Article

Coronavirus spikes 500% rise in over 60s turning to tech to order medication

Now Patient, the mobile app which allows NHS patients to order repeat prescriptions to be delivered to their homes, as seen a 500% surge in uptake of its service over the last seven days - as the UK battles to deal with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.

New and returning patients (mainly over 60s with underlying health conditions) have turned to the app as an alternative to heading out to their local Pharmacy and risk contracting the virus.

Now Patient (part of Now Healthcare Group), was primarily established to help people living with chronic care conditions to manage their healthcare needs via mobile technology. It is powered by the latest robotic technology and allows patients to order their repeat prescriptions via the Now Patient app, which are then dispensed and delivered to the patient at the comfort of their chosen location. ** Lee Dentith, CEO and Founder of Now Healthcare Group said**:* “This is a very concerning time for so many people, especially those living with underlying health conditions and now is the time that people can start to understand the huge benefit of technology and put their trust first-hand in using app-based services like Now Patient. Many of our patients must go into a period of social-distancing so heading out to their local Pharmacy to collect the numerous medications is not an option – particularly when the Pharmacies can be a breeding ground for germs. We are proud to play a small role in helping to keep people safe and contain spread of the virus in the best way possible way”.*

Now Healthcare Group, has also seen a huge increase in its digital GP platform – Now GP, where patients can have a mobile consultation with a GP. The video consultation can take place from the patient’s home (or location of choice) via a mobile to a registered NHS GP and eliminates the need to attend a GP surgery where possible spread of Coronavirus could occur.

Earlier in the month, NHS bosses announced that they want England’s 7,000 GP surgeries to start conducting as many remote consultations as soon as possible, replacing patient visits with phone, video, online or text contact.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lisa Wood .