Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare has launched a new retail, direct-to-consumer website offering over-the-counter medical and health products for patients.
The new site, shopsentara.com, offers solutions and products for common patient needs grouped in four primary categories: wellness and nutrition, health at home, fitness and exercise and braces and foot care.
Sentara launched the retail site as a convenience offering for patients once they leave the hospital.
"We recognized an opportunity and the need to evolve our product offering to provide an even more inclusive healthcare experience," said Ken Krakaur, president of Sentara Third Core Division. "Currently, most people purchase these types of products at brick-and-mortar retail locations, and some websites have a piece of the market. But as more consumers look for increased convenience and trusted information, the ability to provide a branded option that offers a higher trust factor and unique patient experience gives us a leg up."
Sentara partnered with Paquin Healthcare to develop shopsentara.com. Paquin Healthcare develops retail business plans and online hospital commerce systems. Paquin will oversee site management, hosting, product fulfillment, distribution and customer service.
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