The history of Pharmacy2U

A robotic arm taking medications from the warehouse.

1999

Pharmacy2U is born. A team of pharmacists and entrepreneurs launch the UK's first online pharmacy, pioneering the digital pharmacy industry.

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2001

Pharmacy2U is awarded the pilot contract for the ‘electronic transfer’ of NHS prescriptions – playing a pivotal role in testing and developing what we know today as the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).

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2002

We dispensed our first digitally signed prescription. A milestone in improving efficiency and convenience for patients, GPs, pharmacies and the NHS.

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2012

We launched the UK’s first automated telephone prescription ordering service.

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2014

Another technology innovation sees us introduce the first prescription-focused mobile app for patients, offering the flexibility to manage treatments on the go.

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2016

Pharmacy2U acquires Chemist Direct, a step towards a wider healthcare offering for patients and customers.

Pharmacist giving a patient a COVID-19 jab

2020

We supported the fight against COVID-19 by providing over 1.5 million vaccinations during the pandemic, making us the largest vaccine provider in our sector after the NHS.

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2020

The demand for home delivery of repeat prescriptions surges during the national lockdown.

Pharmacy2U quickly adapts to accommodate an increased need for its services, with prescription deliveries up a massive 90% on the previous year.

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2021

We opened a new, state-of-the-art dispensing facility in Leicestershire, giving us the capability to manage over 270,000 prescriptions each month.

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2022

The Pharmacy2U partnership with Royal Mail is announced, allowing us to extend our free home delivery prescription service to even more patients.

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2023

Pharmacy2U hits two major milestones in the first half of 2023. Our Bardon facility exceeds one million items dispensed per month since opening in 2021, and our patient numbers exceed 750,000 for the first time.

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2024/25

Pharmacy2U celebrates its 25th birthday as we’re proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work – showing our commitment to promoting a rewarding workplace for our people.

We were delighted to welcome The PharmPet Co, MMS (Medicines Management Solutions) and both LloydsDirect and LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor to the Pharmacy2U family.