Amazon Pharmacy trademark - We respond

Following the news that Amazon has filed to trademark the name 'Amazon Pharmacy' in the UK, Sandra Gidley, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said:

“Whist the public are increasingly buying online, it is vitally important to note that medicines are not normal consumer items.  There is real importance and value in the face-to-face interaction between patients and a pharmacist and this must not be lost. Each interaction is an opportunity to make a health intervention and to ensure people have no issues with their medicines and are taking them safely.  

Pharmacists see patients when they are well and also spot signs of deteriorating health. I would urge patients and public to continue to support their community pharmacy so that the service is still there when they need it. Community pharmacy does and will continue to play a vital role within our NHS and we will continue to press for better use to be made of the community pharmacy workforce.”