Royal Mail has partnered with online dispenser Pharmacy2U to launch a new prescription delivery division.

Its new prescription service offers free deliveries to patients who sign up online or via the Royal Mail Health app.

It draws on Pharmacy2U’s automated dispensing facilities to deliver to patients’ homes, as well as working with community pharmacies via digital platform Charac.

NHS figures show that around five per cent of all prescriptions are now dispensed online, claims Royal Mail, with the market growing roughly 3.5 per cent each year.

Royal Mail managing director Stefan Kulik said: “Royal Mail is one of the country’s most trusted institutions, so it makes sense for us to deliver prescriptions to the nation’s doorsteps. We want to help everyone across the UK access their health needs safely and conveniently, in whichever way they choose to.

“Pharmacy2U is an important partner for Royal Mail Health. Working together, we are ensuring that patients that want to order through online pharmacies can do so quickly and conveniently.”

Pharmacy2U chief executive Mark Livingstone commented: “We’re always exploring new ways for our patients to better access their medication, conveniently and free of charge.

“Our partnership with Royal Mail is an exciting chapter in our growth, combining our award-winning customer service, industry-leading technology and clinical accuracy with Royal Mail’s vast network to offer communities across the country even greater accessibility and choice for their essential prescriptions.”