The capital’s trainee black cab drivers are to start delivering medicine ‘on-demand’ to elderly patients in an effort to cut down on avoidable hospital admissions.

The on-demand app Gett and social care start-up Cera have got together to organise the delivery of essential items from chemists to the doors of hundreds of elderly patients, many of whom are unable to leave their homes.

Initially launching in zones 1 and 2 in the capital, Cera’s carers and their patients can access the on-demand courier service via Gett’s app, Cera’s online portal or by phone call.

One of Gett’s 100-strong fleet of couriers will then collect items from a central location within an average of eight minutes, and deliver them to the patient’s door within the hour.

The new service is designed to tackle the overwhelming number of emergency hospital admissions, 15% of which are thought to be avoidable, according to research conducted by the Health Foundation.

Dr. Ben Maruthappu, co-founder and president of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated platform Cera, said: ‘At Cera we are committed to delivering comprehensive and high quality care for older people – this partnership provides patients with access to rapid, responsive and on-demand services that have proved successful in other industries, while empowering our carer-workers.

‘The right medication at the right time can make the difference between an A&E admission, and an evening at home.

‘By partnering with innovative companies such as Gett we are building technology–enabled care solutions that benefit patients, families, carers and the NHS alike.’

Matteo de Renzi, managing director of Gett in Western Europe, said: ‘We are thrilled to be partnering with Cera, helping to keep elderly people in London healthy and in their own homes.

‘Gett is all about making life easier - we can provide a highly trained black cab driver in minutes at the tap a screen, or a courier to move things around the capital on demand.