Hema Patel, a dedicated pharmacist from Benfleet, is addressing the challenges facing her profession by implementing robotic technology in her pharmacy. Patel runs a hectic operation that sees upwards of 30 patients per day. She’s convinced that these technologies are the most fruitful use of medical training. They are incredibly important for helping to address the increasing burdens that pharmacies are under.
“Patel has raised the alarm about the persistent fiscal squeeze in our sector. “The pharmacy is on its knees with funding,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for more financial support from the central government. As Patel navigates this landscape, she highlights the critical role community pharmacies play in healthcare delivery, particularly as services transition from hospitals to local settings.
To better manage the workload and improve patient services, Patel has recently installed a robotic device in her pharmacy’s stock room. This automation not only simplifies the dispensing process, it frees up her and her staff’s time to spend more time on clinical care. Patel admits that the cost of rolling out similar technology to her other three pharmacies is cost prohibitive.
“Because we’ve got quite a big clinical arm here, we needed the automation to free up the pharmacy’s time,” Patel explained.
In light of increasing operational costs, including rising business rates and utility expenses, Patel remains hopeful about the future of her profession. “Business rates are going up, minimum wage going up, national insurance contributions went up, electricity went up,” she noted, underscoring the financial pressures faced by many pharmacy owners.
Despite these difficulties, Patel still loves what she does. “We are making positive changes to people’s lives every single day, and so I feel great that I’m able to do this in my career,” she said. Her love for pharmacy is evident by her commitment to the Board’s work. She continues to work to ensure more resources are available to allow community pharmacies to continue to prosper.
Patel installed a robotic device to supercharge her pharmacy. On top of this she’s enlarged the premises, recently adding additional consultation rooms to cater for ever growing demand for services. “I can’t afford to hire another robot, but as long as funding is right, this can absolutely support healthcare and the NHS and the ever-growing population,” she remarked.
Providers and advocates across the stakeholder spectrum have recognized the potential of community pharmacies. A government spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care, focusing on their role. “Community pharmacists have a crucial role to play as we move more care out of hospital and into the community,” they stated.
Patel would like to see further changes made in how pharmacies are funded. The Department of Health and Social Care announced a £100m funding increase for the core community pharmacy contractual framework. This boost will bring the total available up to £3.1 billion for 2025-26, offering some much needed relief.