By Steve Marriott on March 11, 2019
People living with diabetes will from Monday 11th March 2019 have access to a new, online pharmacy service, Spirit Pharmacy. Launched by Leicester based Spirit Health, the pharmacy offers free diabetes support, easy online prescription ordering with free delivery and automatic order reminders – all designed to make it easier for patients to manage their diabetes.
Patients who choose Spirit Pharmacy will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of qualified pharmacists with a special interest in diabetes, offering prescription dispensing and advice services with the convenience of being online. Eligible patients will also gain access to Spirit’s online diabetes education programme to help them learn how they can make lifestyle changes to improve their condition.
Zara Syed, Responsible Pharmacist, Spirit Pharmacy, comments: “It is estimated that by 2025, there will be 5 million people in the UK with diabetes. Each of these patients is advised to see their GP to review their medication every four to six months. Unfortunately, we know that one in five people on prescriptions do not take their all their medicines every day, and with diabetes patients the risks can include blindness and amputation. People clearly more help from the healthcare system than they are currently getting.
“Spirit has an extensive background working in diabetes within the NHS. We are passionate about helping people to live better lives and become healthier and happier. This is why we have launched our new pharmacy service because we believe we can help people, especially those who live with diabetes to better manage their condition by giving them easier access to the support they need.”
Patients will be able to contact the pharmacy online, by email, by phone and by post. Both electronic and postal prescriptions are accepted and automatic reminders can be sent however patients choose to receive them.
Chris Barker, CEO, Spirit Health, adds: “Meeting the challenges that come with an increasing number of people living with diabetes requires experience and knowledge in the NHS, an understanding of the condition and an ability to connect with people to help them at the right time and in the right place. Pharmacy has a big part to play in this. Our aim is to use our digital technology and experience in the field of diabetes to add value for the NHS and, most importantly, patients.”
