Hema Patel, a pharmacist at a busy Benfleet pharmacy, has witnessed a significant increase in patient demand, serving approximately 30 patients daily. Patel’s pharmacy saw firsthand the increasing need for efficiency. To combat the issue, they created a completely automated dispensing process with the use of a robotic dispensing device in their stock room. This simple upgrade not only makes the process more efficient, it lets providers like Patel make better use of their medical expertise.
Patel stressed that the technology acts as an affordable return on investment for their most profitable chemist. She explained that the cost of rolling out similar technology at her other three pharmacies is prohibitive. This is a huge vulnerability for her. “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 stated.
So much demand at Patel’s pharmacy has required the installation of multiple extra consultation rooms. She highlighted the enormous financial plight of the sector, adding that pharmacy is “on its knees with regards to funding.” Patel placed immediate demands on the central government for more financial support. This support is vital for dispensaries to continue to relieve pressure on GP surgeries.
“Business rates are going up, minimum wage going up, national insurance contributions went up, electricity went up,” Patel explained, highlighting the mounting financial pressures faced by pharmacies.
To address these concerns, the Department of Health and Social Care is increasing its focus on them. In addition, they have pledged a funding increase for their core community pharmacy contractual framework. Funding is set to grow to £3.1 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This boost further underscores the importance of the role that community pharmacies serve in our healthcare continuum. A spokesperson from the department remarked, “Community pharmacists have a crucial role to play as we move more care out of hospital and into the community.”
Patel is proud of her profession, stating, “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 believes that the automation technology allows pharmacists to focus on providing quality healthcare rather than merely fulfilling routine tasks.
“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,” Patel added.
Photographer Matt Knight was able to capture an intimate moment, as Patel sat at her small white desk. She was beaming at the camera from her curly white office chair. That image is a testament to her commitment to her work and the positive change she wants to make on her community.