How MedLocker Is Helping Pharmacies Create Capacity and Improve Patient Convenience

The growing pressure on community pharmacies
Community pharmacies across the United Kingdom are under increasing pressure. Prescription
volumes continue to rise, patients expect more convenient services, and pharmacy teams are
being asked to deliver an ever-expanding range of clinical services.
At the same time, many pharmacies are facing workforce shortages and increasingly busy
dispensaries. While every pharmacy operates differently, one challenge remains remarkably
consistent: the simple act of handing prescriptions to patients can consume a surprising amount
of time.
Repeated interruptions, lengthy queues and the need to locate prescriptions quickly can all
disrupt workflow, reduce efficiency and limit the amount of time available for patient-facing
services.
As a result, many pharmacies are now exploring how automation can help them create
additional capacity.

What is MedLocker?

MedLocker is a secure prescription collection system that allows patients to collect their
medication twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Once a prescription has been prepared, a member of staff scans the item before placing it into an
appropriate compartment within the unit. The patient then receives a unique collection code,
which allows them to retrieve their medication securely and conveniently.
The system is available in a range of sizes and configurations, including refrigerated models
designed for temperature-sensitive medication.

How does MedLocker help pharmacies?

Reduced counter pressure

One of the greatest advantages of automated prescription collection is the reduction in pressure
on pharmacy teams. Rather than repeatedly stopping to locate and hand out prescriptions, staff
can remain focused on clinical activities and dispensing workflows.

Fewer interruptions

Frequent interruptions can have a significant effect on efficiency. By allowing patients to collect
prescriptions independently, pharmacies can create a more consistent and predictable workflow
throughout the day.

Improved patient convenience

Modern consumers are accustomed to flexible, on-demand services. MedLocker enables patients
to collect prescriptions at a time that suits them, even outside normal opening hours.

More time for patient care

As services such as Pharmacy First continue to expand, pharmacists need more time to dedicate
to consultations and clinical care. Automation can help create the capacity needed to deliver
these services effectively.

Why are more pharmacies investing in automation?

Technology is rapidly transforming the healthcare sector, and community pharmacy is no
exception. Automated collection systems allow pharmacies to improve efficiency while
continuing to provide a high standard of patient care.
According to the manufacturer, MedLocker can save an average of four minutes for every
prescription collected and may provide savings equivalent to half of a full-time role within a
typical pharmacy environment.
For many pharmacies, this represents an opportunity not only to reduce pressure on existing
teams but also to create a more modern and convenient patient experience.

Looking ahead

The demands placed upon community pharmacies are unlikely to decrease in the coming years.
Solutions such as MedLocker allow pharmacy teams to spend less time managing queues and
more time delivering the services that matter most.
If you would like to learn more about how AcornRX Technologies is helping pharmacies improve
efficiency and create additional capacity, our team would be delighted to help.

Get more information on our Medlocker range here