Robotic dispensing technology is transforming pharmacy services across London, freeing staff from administrative tasks and enabling them to deliver faster, more efficient patient care.
New productivity data published today shows how the NHS is harnessing innovation to improve frontline services, with pharmacies across the capital leading the way in adopting automated dispensing systems.
These robots can select, retrieve and deliver medications to pharmacists in seconds, dramatically reducing the time spent on manual stock management and allowing staff to focus on patient-facing care.
Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “We have a strong ambition in London to harness digital technology to reshape how we provide care, so it is inspiring to see so many NHS services across the capital making real strides towards the vision set out in the 10 Year Plan.
“As we move from hospital to community care, I’m proud that London is home to some of the most forward-thinking pharmacies making on-the-day care even more convenient and efficient for local people.”
Queen’s Hospital, Romford
At Queen’s Hospital in Romford, two robot pharmacy dispensers—nicknamed ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Victoria’ by staff—are helping patients receive their medicines faster than ever before.
The robots automatically select the correct medication and deliver it via conveyor belt directly to the dispensing pharmacist. Advanced features including 2D barcode scanning enable more effective expiry date management and batch number tracking, streamlining drug recalls without the need for manual stock checks.
The installation also increased dispensing chutes from five to 13, ensuring medications reach the correct pharmacist directly and reducing the risk of errors.
Michael Dixie, Chief Pharmacy Technician at Queen’s Hospital, said: “Our new robot dispensers have additional features which make them more efficient for our staff, as well as safer for our patients. This is reassuring for our staff, who know they have the right drugs for the right person.”
Junction Pharmacy, Brixton
At Junction Pharmacy in Brixton, robotic automation handles medication dispensing, stock management and even self-cleaning—freeing staff to provide expanded patient services including same-day consultations, vaccinations and ear wax removal.
Bhaveen Patel, Superintendent Pharmacist and Owner, said: “The robot has been a game-changer for us. It date checks everything, manages and puts away our stock for us. It has helped us to streamline our workflow, so we have become more efficient, and our staff have more time to focus on their patient-facing roles.”
Green Lanes Pharmacy, Enfield
Meanwhile in Enfield, Green Lanes Pharmacy have improved their productivity thanks to their sorting robot, the Pharmaself24 unit.
Bhupesh Patel, Superintendent Pharmacist at Green Lanes Pharmacy, said: “By pairing an automated dispensing robot with a 24/7 self-collection system, we make getting medicines faster, easier, and more reliable. The robot stores and selects medicines accurately, restocks itself, and keeps track of stock in real time, cutting delays and freeing staff to focus on patients, not paperwork.”
The Pharmaself24 machine lets people collect their prescriptions any time, with simple builtin payment that helps reduce queues and routine handouts. The robot boosts accuracy, availability, and convenience, reducing unnecessary return visits and consistently improving patient experience.
See how it works, here.
source: NHS
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