Hema Patel, owner of the highest-volume pharmacy in Benfleet, has turned her pharmacy around. She did this by incorporating a robotic dispensing device. Her team is now able to see upwards of 30 patients a day thanks to this cutting edge innovation. In turn, they are left to do what really matters—caring for their patients. Efficiency automation is all about having technology improve health care professionals’ breathtaking talents. It deepens our commitment to the valued, professional public service we bring to our community.
Patel’s pharmacy has grown to accommodate half a dozen consultation rooms as demand has skyrocketed. The implementation of robotic technology has been instrumental in streamlining processes, as Patel noted, “Because we’ve got quite a big clinical arm here, we needed the automation… to free up the pharmacy’s time.” She noted that she was worried about the financial impact of these technologies. She told them the automation costs would be prohibitive for her other three pharmacies.
Patel, whose mother’s pharmacy was forced to close due to financial pressures, describes the pharmacy sector as “on fire” right now. She remarked, “Business rates are going up, minimum wage going up, national insurance contributions went up, electricity went up,” emphasizing the difficulties that pharmacies encounter in maintaining services amid rising costs. Patel made clear the pending urgency for increased government support. He called for more direct financial help for dispensaries, so they can continue to relieve the burden on GP surgeries.
The sector is in deep crisis. In recognition of this, funding for the core community pharmacy contractual framework will increase to £3.1 billion by 2025-26. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the critical role community pharmacists play in healthcare delivery. “Community pharmacists have a crucial role to play as we move more care out of hospital and into the community,” they stated.
Even with these positive strides in place, Patel is still circumspect when looking ahead. She emphasized that while she cannot afford to hire additional robotic systems at this time, she believes that with adequate funding, automation can significantly contribute to healthcare and the NHS.
Patel’s commitment to her profession is evident. She stated, “We didn’t go to university and study for the best part of five years to check a box, that’s not what I wanted to do.” She takes pride in making a positive impact on people’s lives through her work, adding, “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.”