Family-owned Bannerman’s Pharmacy has become the first in Scotland to install a multi-branch robotic dispensing system, investing £600,000 in cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care.
With five branches across Possilpark, Maryhill, and Kirkintilloch, the Glasgow-based business has deployed the MT.XL Hub robot to dramatically increase its dispensing capacity and allow pharmacists to dedicate more time to face-to-face consultations.
The new technology is set to more than double the pharmacy’s dispensing capacity to 3,000 prescription items per day.
The robot, supplied by Belgian company Meditech, will also reduce the number of pharmacists needed to carry out tasks, freeing up time for face-to-face patient care.
The robot will free up time for face-to-face patient care. The investment comes as pharmacies continue to play an increasingly important role in front-line healthcare.
Bannerman’s offers a range of NHS-funded services, including dispensing prescriptions, advice on minor ailments and medicines, and services such as smoking cessation.
The pharmacy also provides private services such as vaccinations, travel health, and weight management.
Mark Feeney, Bannerman’s managing partner and prescribing pharmacist, said: “The six-figure investment not only revolutionises our business through increased capacity and enhanced order capability, but first and foremost it enables our team to spend more time with patients and meet the ever-growing demand on pharmacy services.
“In short, it equates to a happier team and happier customers.”
The new dispensing technology will be fully integrated with Bannerman’s recently launched website and new app, allowing patients to order repeat prescriptions or book face-to-face appointments with a prescribing pharmacist more easily.
Cyrus Hodivala, managing director of Meditech UK & Ireland, said: “Bannerman’s have proven to be an innovative and people-focused business by delivering our first multi-pharmacy hub launch in Scotland.
“Our existing partners across other parts of the UK, Europe and beyond have reported significant sales increases and a revolutionary patient experience, so we are looking forward to seeing how they grow as a result.”
The pharmacy offers a range of NHS-funded services, including dispensing prescriptions and advice on minor ailments and medicines.
Janice Watt, interim director of pharmacy at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “It is fantastic to see this type of development.
“The use of automation, including systems to support the dispensing of medicines, is key to freeing pharmacists from traditional roles.
“It can allow them to provide more direct patient care, treat common clinical conditions, reduce the need for patients to visit their GP and ultimately provide better care for the patients in their community.”