Pharmacy chain Jhoots has secured £8.2m in funding from HSBC UK to create an online platform that will allow it to roll out a hub and spoke model across its branches.  

The independent multiple, which is headquartered in Walsall, will put the funding towards a “digital platform for customers to request prescriptions online enabling the implementation of a hub and spoke dispensing system to automate prescription deliveries,” said HSBC.

The company hopes to reduce the “burden of manual processes on pharmacists” and help staff spend more time on minor ailment services and vaccinations, the bank added.

Jhoots Group chief operating officer San Jhooty commented: “When faced with the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, primary and community services came together to support the community and each other.

“We want to maintain this relationship and keep innovating to allow our staff to continue using their skills on the front line. 

“We’re delighted to take this step into the digital world, so we can ease the pressure on our teams and allow them to focus on delivering the best quality care to customers.”

HSBC UK senior business development manager Partho Bose added: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support Jhoots Group in its growth strategy, so it can automate its processes and continue its mission to offer high-quality care to communities across the country.”