ZoomDoc launches £2m investment round to help patients see GPs 'within one hour'

On-demand GP service, ZoomDoc has launched its second round of funding in a bid to raise £2m.

Founded by healthcare entrepreneur and practicing NHS GP, Dr Kenny Livingstone, ZoomDoc is a healthtech service which allows users to have instant access to experienced, UK-qualified GPs.

The app allows instant worldwide telemedicine consultations and allows UK-based users to instantly book a GP to arrive at their preferred location within one hour.

The service responds to the growing NHS GP shortage, with frustrated patients now having to wait up to three weeks before they can be seen by their local surgery.

The service also provides instant prescriptions and continued care with referrals to private specialists and hospitals.

Founder, Dr Kenny Livingstone said: “This second round of funding is a very exciting opportunity for ZoomDoc as well as for investors to take the company to the next level.

“We know there’s a palpable need for innovation in the provision of healthcare and these alternative models of primary care are now at the forefront of the digital health revolution.

“Having been built and run by GPs who are passionate about delivering great care, ZoomDoc offers both GPs and patients the latest and most compelling proposition in the UK market.

“We hope to secure the funding to provide us the capital we need to build further in terms of expanding our service provisions, technology and marketing support - we are looking forward to welcoming onboard investors that have the same vision.”

Since its soft-launch in March 2017, the ZoomDoc app has had over 6,000 patient signups. As well as this, ZoomDoc users are said to be supported by a team of over 300 experienced GPs.

The purpose of this fundraising campaign is to further steer ZoomDoc’s growth strategy with the expanding of its service provision into physiotherapy and mental wellbeing, as well as the implementation of clinic-based appointments.

ZoomDoc has also welcomed Garry Fingland to its management team, who is the former BUPA CIO. He has joined as chairman.

Garry added: “It’s fantastic to be part of a team committed to delivering the highest standards of clinical service through the innovative use of technology.

“Advances like this will undoubtedly improve patient access to GPs, both virtually and face-to-face, and thereby help to revolutionise the way healthcare is provided.”