Pharmacy2U has announced it is partnering with Royal Mail to provide same-day deliveries for “some” medicines and healthcare products.

The same-day service, which is initially being launched via the Chemist Direct branch, will first focus on some postcode areas in Yorkshire. Chemist Direct sells OTC medicines, toiletries and vitamins and supplements, but not prescription medicines.

Royal Mail said the partnership was launching on the back of a “surge of demand” during the pandemic, with a YouGov survey indicating that 4.3 million UK adults have ordered medicines online for home delivery for the first time since the pandemic started.

The survey, which was commissioned by Royal Mail, also revealed that 12 per cent of adults currently have medicines delivered by post while nine per cent have previously had medicines delivered to them.

Fifty-nine per cent of respondents cited “ease and convenience” as the key driver, while 37 per cent wanted to avoid making journeys to the pharmacy and 24 per cent said they wished to minimise their risk of being exposed to Covid-19. 

Both parties said they will seek to further develop the partnership in the coming months.

Pharmacy2U chief Mark Livingstone commented: “The coronavirus pandemic has shifted people’s behaviours drastically and brought forward digital uptake for many.

“Through this partnership with Royal Mail, we’re hopeful that repeat prescriptions will become even more accessible and it will lead to more people adhering to their doctor’s orders. We look forward to continuing our excellent customer service through this partnership.” 

Royal Mail chief commercial officer Nick Landon said: “We’re working with Pharmacy2U to deliver medicines on the same day they are ordered and look forward to significantly expanding this service in the future. 

“The last year has reset many of our expectations for delivery and coupled with the convenience of home delivery, no queues and a reduced risk of infection we think this service is just what the doctor ordered.”