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Two online pharmacies have been reported to Humberside Police and the NHS Counter Fraud Authority over allegations they have been using a hospital’s registration details to sell prescription medicines to the public.

An investigation by Joanne Goode, the group chief pharmacist at NHS Humber Health Partnership (HHP), found Front Door Chemist and Pharmacy-Click advertising medications for erectile dysfunction, fluid retention and allergy treatments.

Front Door Chemist’s website says the company’s address is Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Scartho Road, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, DN33 2BA.

Goode, the chief pharmacist for hospitals in Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, started investigating after a patient contacted the hospital pharmacy in Grimsby with a question about medication they purchased online.

She said a patient who paid one of the websites for medicine did not receive any medication and warned the public to be aware of websites claiming to be part of hospitals in the area.

“We’re concerned people are parting with their money for medicines that do not appear, thinking these websites have something to do with our hospitals,” Goode said.

“And, of course, there’s the added concern that someone using an online pharmacy may be receiving drugs which they may be allergic to or drugs which are being passed off as another drug or are actually counterfeit medicines.”

She insisted HHP does “not operate any online pharmaceutical companies, even if they are claiming to be based at our hospitals”.

Front Door Chemist and Pharmacy-Click were also reported to the national Report Fraud service, National Cyber Security Centre and General Pharmaceutical Council.

Urging people who think “they’ve been duped by an online company” to contact police, HHP said: “While some patients do receive medication at home from the hospitals as part of a scheme called Homecare, this follows involvement with clinical specialists and (our) pharmacy team.”