Healthcare provider Phoenix UK has rebranded the Co-op Health app amid its relaunch of an app alongside plans to launch a collection service by Christmas.  

The rebranded app, now known as 'Hey Pharmacist', was made available to customers earlier this month in a bid to help Numark compete with distance selling pharmacies also hopes to offer patients the convenience of buying products online ‘with access to local pharmacy – reinforcing the link between the patient and their local healthcare professional’. 

The provider - which currently owns Rowlands and Numark - plans on launching a collection service in October which ‘will be provided with the support to actively on-board patients in store’.  

‘As part of this development, we will be trialing patients onboarding resources to ensure we are providing members with the tools to maximise the opportunity for patient engagement,’ the provider explained.  

Phoenix initially acquired the  Co-op Health brand back in March for an undisclosed sum.  

Commenting on the rebrand, Jeremy Meader, Numark managing director, said: ‘This is a very exciting time for all our member pharmacies.   

‘The transition from Co-op Health to Hey Pharmacist is the beginning of our roadmap of ongoing development that will allow our members to compete in the online pharmacy space, retaining that essential line of communication between patient and pharmacist – a winning combination.’  

He added: ‘The new brand is full of personality and truly depicts the warm welcome of pharmacy. We wanted to make sure human connection shone through alongside digital ease and convenience.  

‘We look forward to relaunching the app and supporting our members in taking this exciting digital proposition to the next level.’ 

Back in March, online pharmacy Echo, owned by LloydsPharmacy, announced it had partnered with Royal Mail to trial a faster prescription delivery service. 

In December, The Pharmacist also exclusively reported that Amazon Pharmacy had become a registered trademark in the UK, raising the prospect of a UK online pharmacy launch.