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The acquisition of an automation system by a community pharmacy chain signals the intention of pharmacies in Scotland to focus on patient care rather than time-sensitive backroom tasks, according to the company.
The MTS350T system was supplied to the Davidson’s Chemist chain by MTS Medication Technologies, a provider of automation and specialised packaging solutions to the pharmacy industry.
This is the second MTS350T unit provided to a pharmacy in Scotland.
MTS managing director Peter Williams said the system allowed a single operator to fill and seal up to 250 unit-dose punchcards per hour.
He said the automation of the filling and sealing process increased productivity fivefold and could facilitate redeployment of dispensary staff to new, more productive roles.
This feature also saved space in the pharmacy work area and provided increased assurance in packing quality.
Davidson’s has been providing a community pharmacy service to towns and rural communities in northeast Scotland for 300 years.
Davidson’s care services manager Angus McNicoll said the decision to acquire an automation machine came from the firm’s desire to provide efficiently for the medication needs of more than 70 care homes and 20 pharmacies.
