Pharmacy Automation in the UK: A Complete Guide
UK pharmacies are being asked to do more with the same resources. The NHSBSA has reported record numbers of prescription items dispensed by community pharmacies in England, while clinical services keep growing. Pharmacy automation is one way to create the capacity. This guide explains what it covers, how the pieces fit together, and where a UK pharmacy can sensibly start.
What is pharmacy automation?
Pharmacy automation means using technology to take repetitive, error-prone tasks out of the dispensary: picking and storing stock, packing monitored dosage systems, managing prescriptions and handing medicines to patients. The aim isn’t to replace pharmacy teams. It’s to free their time for checking, counselling and clinical services. Our guide to what you can automate in a pharmacy covers each area in more detail.
The main types of pharmacy automation
Dispensing: original pack dispensing robots
Original pack dispensing robots store medicines in their original packs and pick them on demand, helping improve patient safety and workflow. If you’re new to the idea, start with what original pack dispensing is and how it works, and see how dispensing automation can create more capacity.
Adherence packaging: MDS automation
MDS automation handles the time-consuming work of packing monitored dosage systems. Our RapidPakRx and RapidCardRx systems use universal cartridges and built-in vision verification, for pouches and blister cards respectively. Read more in how MDS automation can make pharmacy more efficient.
Prescription collection: 24/7 kiosks
MedLocker prescription collection kiosks let patients collect their medicines securely at any time, reducing queues and handovers at the counter. See how MedLocker helps pharmacies create capacity.
Prescription management software
Scriptlife is a web-based system for prescription storage, tracking and patient notifications. Here’s how prescription management software can save pharmacy time.
Storage: Ward Cabinet and CD Cabinets
Ward Cabinet provides secure, traceable ward stock management, and CD Cabinets cover the secure storage of controlled drugs.
How the pieces fit together
Automation works best as a connected workflow, not a set of separate machines. A good example is scan-to-shelf, where medicines are scanned in and tracked to where they’re stored, which supports safer, faster stock handling.
Where should a UK pharmacy start?
You don’t need to automate everything at once. Most pharmacies begin with the task that costs the most time or causes the most pressure, whether that’s dispensing, MDS or collection. Our guide on where to start with pharmacy automation walks through how to decide.
What to consider before you invest
Think about your volumes, the space you have, how a system connects to your pharmacy system, and the training your team will need. For robots in particular, read what to consider before investing in a dispensing robot.
How pharmacy automation has evolved
Automation has come a long way from the basic computer systems of the 1960s. For the full story, and where it’s heading next, see the future of pharmacy automation.
FAQs
Is pharmacy automation only for large pharmacies?
No. Systems are available at different scales, from independent community pharmacies to groups and hospital networks.
Does automation replace pharmacy staff?
No. It takes over repetitive tasks so your team can spend more time on checking, counselling and clinical services.
Can I automate one area first?
Yes. Most pharmacies start with one area, then add more as the benefits show.
Where can I get an independent view of my workflow?
Our pharmacy efficiency review looks at where automation could help your pharmacy most.
Talk to AcornRX
To discuss which automation suits your pharmacy, get in touch.