EDF launches Covid-19 volunteering for independent pharmacies

• EDF has extended its volunteering efforts, partnering with Avicenna to deliver pharmaceutical supplies to those in need
• The move follows the announcement that EDFs smart and technical field engineers have volunteered with Boots Pharmacy Delivery and Collection (PDC) scheme to deliver vital medical supplies to those in need across the country.

EDF is continuing its efforts to support local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic; partnering with the UK’s largest pharmacy support network, Avicenna, to deliver essential prescription medicines to those in need.

Avicenna provides support to over 1,000 independent pharmacies across the UK.  Pharmacists, at the heart of local communities, have been working incredibly hard to ensure their patients do not go without vital supplies during this challenging time. The partnership will see a team of EDF engineer volunteers collect vital supplies and deliver to patients in self-isolation, or who are unable to get to their local pharmacy, across the South East.

This is the latest step EDF has undertaken to support the most vulnerable in society – including partnering with Boots Pharmacy Delivery and Collection (PDC) scheme to deliver essential supplies.

EDF employees across the country have volunteered to support local community initiatives, as well as working to help maintain energy supply for organisations offering crucial services – from NHS hospitals to scientific research labs.

Philippe Commaret, Managing Director for Customers at EDF, says: “These are challenging times, and we’re committed to doing all we can to support our customers and the wider public. Through partnerships such as this with Avicenna, we’re pleased to be able to help households receive the essential medicines they need, and I’d like to thank all our volunteers who are taking part. As well as helping our local communities, we’re also working tirelessly to ensure we continue to generate low carbon electricity for our residential customers, as well as the thousands of buildings and organisations working to keep the nation running” 

Jonathan Power, Group CEO at Avicenna, said: “We’ve been working hard throughout this period to assist our members in every way we can.  Our priority being to ensure pharmacies, the unsung heroes of the NHS, can continue to provide patients up and down the country with the important medical supplies they need. We approached various potential partners for assistance and were incredibly grateful to receive this support from EDF which will ensure independent pharmacies can safely and securely scale up deliveries to reach the most vulnerable.”

Salim Jetha, Chairman at Avicenna said: “Self-isolation and the shielding of vulnerable groups has put extra pressure on pharmacists wanting to offer home delivery services. Avicenna has a strong track record of supporting independent pharmacies, many of whom don’t have deep pockets to sustain their businesses and are deeply grateful for a helping hand from the EDF volunteers”

For more information contact:

EDF Energy Media Team

24-hour press line: +44 (0)1452 652233

media@edfenergy.com or edfenergy@goodrelations.co.uk

Notes to editors

About EDF

EDF is leading the transition to a cleaner, low emission electric future, tackling climate change and helping Britain reach net zero. It is the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, meeting around one-fifth of the country’s demand and supplying millions of customers with electricity and gas.

It generates low carbon electricity from eight nuclear power stations, more than thirty onshore wind farms and two offshore wind farms, and operates one of Britain’s biggest battery storage units, one gas and one coal power station, EV charge-points, and combined heat and power plants.

EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C, and plans for new power stations at Sizewell C in Suffolk and Bradwell B in Essex. Hinkley Point C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand. The project is already making a positive impact on the local and national economy as well as boosting skills and education.

EDF also invests in a range of low carbon technologies including renewables, solar and battery storage. The company’s largest offshore wind farm is currently being built in Scotland and the 450 MW Neart na Gaoithe project will be ready in 2023. It is applying research and development expertise to improve the performance of existing generation and developing the potential of new technologies.

EDF is helping its customers, both in business and at home, to join generation electric and take their first steps to sustainably powering their lives. Whether it is buying an electric car, generating and storing electricity or selling energy back to the grid – everyone is welcome. EDF is one of the largest suppliers to British business and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. In addition, the company’s energy services business, Imtech, is one of the largest technical service providers in the UK and Ireland.

EDF is part of EDF Group, the world’s biggest electricity generator. In the UK, the company employs around 13,000 people at locations across England and Scotland.

About Avicenna

Avicenna is the UK’s largest independent pharmacy support network, tirelessly working to support and champion the needs of its 1000+ independent pharmacy members.  Avicenna offer a raft of solutions to help independent pharmacists thrive including regulatory, purchasing, business, service development and training support.   During the COVID-19 pandemic Avicenna has rolled out a series of initiatives to help members cope with the unprecedented demand for their services safely. 

Avicenna is committed to keeping health care local and is developing its own group of independently run pharmacies in the UK.  See www.avicenna.org for further information.