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·      Tie up transforms access to clinical services at community pharmacies, with the aim of improving health outcomes and alleviating pressure on the NHS

·      Simple platform launching this Summer allows patients to choose, book and pay for clinical services to be delivered locally– starting with the flu jab

·      Move marks a significant step in Lime’s mission to provide super-simple, affordable top-ups to public healthcare for the many

LONDON, 18th March 2021 – Lime, the online-only provider of affordable healthcare top ups, and PharmaDoctor, the UK’s leading supplier of clinical service packages to pharmacists today announced a new partnership which is set to transform access to clinical services across a network of more than 8,000 UK community pharmacies. The partnership will create a simple, trusted, online platform where patients can choose, book and pay for clinical services to be delivered by their local pharmacy.

As well as making it easier for people to access the health services they need, the partnership is expected to raise awareness of the valuable services offered by local community pharmacies and increase footfall, while alleviating pressure on the NHS at a time when services are particularly stretched. The partnership is set to launch in the summer, with flu vaccinations likely to be the first service offered.

Shaun Williams, CEO, Lime Global Ltd commented, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with PharmaDoctor. We know that clinical services that can be delivered conveniently at a local pharmacy are a great example of an easy step people can take to protect their health, while also helping to support pharmacies at the heart of their community. Through this partnership, clinical pharmacy services will be available via Lime’s online platform, allowing customers to quickly and easily find, book and pay for the service they need, either as individuals or employers looking to help their workforce stay healthy. This is all part of our mission to help people stay healthy for longer by providing super-simple, affordable top-ups to public healthcare.”

UK pharmacies offer a range of up to 60 clinical services, from vaccinations to consultations and over 150 prescription treatments for a variety of health issues - without the need to wait for a GP appointment or prescription. The new partnership will allow customers to log on via Lime’s easy-to-use online dashboard to access clinical services at one of the more than 8,000 pharmacies across the PharmaDoctor network. As part of the roll out, the partnership is anticipated to provide opportunities for employers to purchase clinical services on behalf of their workforce.

Graham Thoms, CEO, PharmaDoctor said, “Partnering with Lime is a fantastic opportunity to help more people access local pharmacy services with ease. We strongly believe that pharmacies play an important role in the local community and in helping to reduce pressure on frontline NHS services. Sadly, many people aren’t aware of the services pharmacies can provide or how to access them.  Through this new online booking system, people will be able to see at a glance what’s available at their local pharmacies and then book a convenient appointment within minutes. This will not only help people to get access to the services they need, but also support community pharmacies on our high streets.”

Commenting on the new partnership, Christopher Alcock, Managing Director of Weldricks Pharmacy, who operate 60 pharmacies across South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and are currently the Trustpilot no.1 rated online pharmacy said, “We are delighted to support this new scheme and will be ready to welcome Lime’s customers for their flu jabs this coming autumn together with a wider range of clinical services throughout 2021 and beyond. It’s great to see both Lime and PharmaDoctor investing in community pharmacy and highlighting the diverse range of convenient clinical services pharmacists now provide.”

 The move marks a significant step in Lime’s mission to provide super-simple, affordable top-ups to public healthcare to the many. Clinical pharmacy services will be the latest addition to Lime’s easy access online platform, joining existing products including cancer cover and quick access to diagnostic tests when required.