Last Updated on: 22nd June 2025, 09:10 am
With NHS waiting times soaring, many people across the UK are increasingly turning to private healthcare — not only for specialist consultations or procedures, but also for routine services like prescriptions.
This shift is driving demand for faster, more convenient digital alternatives — and private e-prescription platforms are leading the charge.
Patients Seeking Speed in a Stretched System
The challenges facing the NHS are well documented. By late 2023, waiting lists in England had climbed past 7.7 million. Facing delays and uncertainty, many patients are now seeking faster private routes to access everyday treatments.
Among the most noticeable changes is the growing use of private prescriptions, with users prioritising convenience and speed over long waits or outdated systems.
E-prescriptions: A Rapidly Growing Solution
e-prescription platforms have quickly emerged as a practical alternative.
These systems enable doctors to send prescriptions electronically, with medications then delivered directly to the patient’s home — transforming a process that used to require physical collection.
One standout provider is Healistic, which integrates private clinics, pharmacies and courier services to deliver medication in as little as two hours.
Founder Daniel Bulkin saw a clear gap in the market for something faster and more user-friendly.
“People can get food, dinner or a cab in minutes. So why are we still waiting days for medication?” he says.
Healistic’s All-Digital Model
At the heart of Healistic’s approach is a commitment to speed and simplicity. Doctors can issue prescriptions digitally within seconds. Patients manage everything online, while local pharmacies prepare the medication and couriers ensure swift delivery — sometimes in under 60 minutes.
The platform is free for clinicians to use and has already gained traction with hundreds of UK clinics. Patients appreciate the reduced hassle, and clinics benefit from less paperwork and smoother workflows.
Crucially, Healistic is equipped to handle controlled drugs — covering Schedules 2 to 5 — a feature that many other services are still not compliant with.
A Sector in Transformation
Figures show the UK private healthcare market reached £12.4 billion in 2023 — up from £11.4 billion the year before — with private prescriptions contributing significantly to this rise.
Meanwhile, the UK’s retail pharmacy market is expected to grow to over £58 billion by 2030, with much of that growth being driven by innovative digital platforms.
As more patients become comfortable managing their care online, the use of services like Healistic is only likely to rise.
Laying the Foundations for Digital Healthcare
Healistic’s ambitions stretch beyond just prescription delivery. The team is developing a comprehensive platform — a “digital patient home” — where individuals and providers can oversee a wide range of care services securely and efficiently.
Founder Daniel Bulkin describes the model as “Open Healthcare”, taking inspiration from the Open Banking concept that gives people better access to their financial data. Healistic aims to do the same for health — giving patients control, clarity, and convenience.
Digital Health That Matches Modern Life
E-prescription platforms like Healistic are helping to reshape the future of private healthcare. For clinics, pharmacies and patients alike, the promise of faster, smarter, more responsive care is proving hard to ignore.
As digital-first healthcare becomes the expectation rather than the exception, solutions such as this are paving the way for a more agile and patient-centred future.
To discover more or to explore partnership options, visit: https://healistic.net
