PHOENIX LAUNCHES NEW APP TO REDUCE TIME SPENT ON OVER-THE-COUNTER ORDERING IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES
Community pharmacies are under sustained pressure, balancing rising patient demand with ongoing workforce and capacity challenges.
One often overlooked pressure point is over-the- counter (OTC) ordering, a task that can involve lengthy product lists, repeated data entry and constant interruptions on the shop floor. PHOENIX has announced the launch of PHOENIXSpark, a new app designed to simplify and speed up OTC ordering for pharmacy counter teams, helping free up time during the working day. The development has been designed specifically with Numark members in mind, reflecting feedback from independent community pharmacies on where time and complexity are most keenly felt.
OTC ordering is typically carried out alongside patient-facing activity, meaning staff are frequently switching between serving customers,
checking stock and completing orders. Industry insight suggests this process can take several hours each week in an average community pharmacy, contributing to workload pressure during already busy trading periods.
PHOENIXSpark has been developed specifically for counter teams, allowing staff to build orders directly from the shop floor using shelf-edge scanning. Products can be added to an order in real time, without the need to search for product codes or return to a computer terminal. Out-of- stock items can also be flagged immediately, helping pharmacies maintain availability and reduce gaps on shelves.
Early use of the app indicates it could save pharmacy teams an estimated two to four hours per week, by removing repeated manual steps and reducing the disruption caused by stop-start ordering during peak times.
Rhys Martin, Head of Numark Proposition said, “OTC ordering is essential, but it’s also one of those tasks that can quietly absorb a lot of time across a week. By reducing manual input and simplifying how orders are built, PHOENIXSpark is designed to support smoother day-to-day workflows in the pharmacy.”
“Designed in collaboration with and for Numark members, the aim is to use technology to give teams back time, time that can be better spent advising customers, supporting colleagues and keeping the pharmacy running effectively.”
The app also integrates with Numark’s OTC Made Simple proposition, aligning ordering with wider category management and range decisions already used by many independent pharmacies. PHOENIXSpark is the latest example of how digital tools are being developed to support operational efficiency in community pharmacy at a time when the sector is being asked to do more with limited resources.
News
New research from Age UK has highlighted a significant gap in how sexual health and intimacy are addressed for people aged over 50, with millions feeling their needs are overlooked by healthcare professionals.
The findings coincide with the launch of Age UK’s first guide on sex, relationships and intimacy - part of its Still Got It initiative - which aims to encourage more open conversations about sexual health in later life and challenge long- standing stigma.
A Lack of Support and Confidence Age UK estimates that five million people over 50 believe their sexual health needs are not taken seriously by medical professionals. At the same time, embarrassment remains a major barrier: 4.1 million say they would feel too uncomfortable to attend an STI test, while 3.9 million worry about their sexual health and wellbeing.
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While 59% of over 50’s believe a healthy sex life remains important within relationships, nearly 10 million feel uncomfortable discussing the topic. A further 24% say there is insufficient information available about sex in later life - highlighting a clear demand for age-appropriate advice and reassurance.
Dr Lis Boulton, Health and Care Policy Manager at Age UK, said much of the available advice is targeted at younger audiences, leaving older adults feeling excluded. Health changes, life transitions and confidence can all affect intimacy - yet stigma may prevent people from seeking help.
Challenging Stigma in Healthcare Nearly half of respondents believe brands and advertisers ignore the sexual health needs of older adults, reinforcing the perception that intimacy is a “younger person’s issue”. This lack of visibility can translate into healthcare settings,
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MILLIONS OF OVER 50’S FEEL THEIR SEXUAL HEALTH NEEDS ARE OVERLOOKED
where patients may hesitate to raise concerns or fear they will not be taken seriously.
A Role for Community Pharmacy For community pharmacy teams, the findings underline an important opportunity. Pharmacies remain one of the most accessible healthcare settings and are often a first point of contact for advice on sexual health, menopause, erectile dysfunction and STI testing. Creating a welcoming, confidential environment - alongside proactive signposting and sensitive consultation - may help reduce embarrassment and improve access to support for older adults. As the profession continues to expand its clinical role, ensuring inclusive conversations around sexual wellbeing is part of delivering person-centred care.
Accessing Support Age UK’s Guide on Sex, Relationships and Intimacy is available at:
www.ageuk.org.uk/still-got-it
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