Supermarket Morrisons has today launched an online private prescription service, called Morrisons Clinic.

The clinic has been launched in partnership with digital pharmacy Phlo.

It offers a range of services including treatment for acid reflux, acne, erectile dysfunction, menopause, and contraceptive and weight loss services.

In a statement released today, Morrisons said that customers in England 'simply need to visit clinic.morrisons.com which can be accessed via Morrisons.com and complete an online questionnaire which will be used to assess their suitability for the medication'.

'A comprehensive review will then be carried out by the healthcare professionals at Phlo, who will dispense the prescription if it is deemed suitable. The prescription will then be sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24 directly to the customer’s door,' it added.

And Alistair Murray, chief pharmacist at Phlo, said the company was 'committed to ensuring ethical prescribing of medications' and patient safety.

'While our process includes an online questionnaire, treatment decisions are not made solely based on the responses provided,' he said.

'We take a multi-faceted approach to prescribing which combines an online consultation and photo evidence, with an in-depth look at a patient's medical records and, where appropriate, consultation with their GP or specialist.'

He added: 'To maintain transparency and safeguard against any risks, we inform each patient’s GP and cross-reference records with their Summary Care Record to flag any concerns related to multiple prescriptions or potential misuse.

'We require explicit consent to liaise with a patient’s GP as a mandatory step. Patients who do not provide this consent, or who do not meet the clinical criteria, are not approved for treatment.'

John Parry, head of services at Morrisons, said: 'We know how frustrating it can be waiting to see your GP for an appointment, so we’re delighted to be launching the Morrisons Clinic. Our customers will now be able to order medication for a number of different health and lifestyle conditions quickly and conveniently, all at competitive prices.'

And Adam Hunter, chief commercial officer at Phlo, said it was 'proud to partner with Morrisons to launch Morrisons Clinic'.

'This partnership reflects the strength of our shared commitment to providing innovative, patient-centric solutions that make it easier for people to manage their health,' he said.

Other treatments provided by the new clinic include:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Acne
  • Daily Contraceptives
  • Emergency Contraceptives
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Hair Loss
  • Hay Fever
  • Menopause
  • Migraine
  • Period Delay
  • Premature Ejaculation
  • Weight Loss

In September, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) proposed new guidance to safeguard against the risks of online prescribing, including of weight loss medication.

This followed 'significant risks to patient safety when online questionnaires have inappropriately been the only mode of consultation used', which the GPhC said it had observed through its inspections and investigations.

This article was updated on 3 January to add Alistair Murray's explanation of Phlo's prescribing process.