“Automated Pharmacy prescription collection machines are a groundbreaking innovation in the healthcare industry.”
A new automated service is coming to the Seafield Stores in Ayr- to make life easier for those who need medication.
Ayrshire Live previously told how a planning application had been lodged on behalf of the proprietors, seeking permission for the installation of a Medpoint unit at the Seafield Stores.
CASA Design Architects Ltd are the agents in the proposals and the applicants were Jay and Carole Crawford, from Seafield Stores.
According to a design and access statement these type of units are “already in successful use” elsewhere in the country and have proven to be both “reliable and highly secure.”
The statement continues: “Automated Pharmacy prescription collection machines are a groundbreaking innovation in the healthcare industry.
“These automated systems streamline the process of dispensing medication, providing patients with quick, convenient, and secure access to their prescriptions.
“As the demand for efficient healthcare services grows, these machines are becoming increasingly popular in pharmacies worldwide. The healthcare industry has seen significant advancements over the years like pharmacy first services. Traditionally, patients had to wait in long lines at pharmacies to collect their prescriptions, often facing delays and inconveniences.
“With the advent of technology, the process has been transformed, leading to the development of pharmacy prescription collection machines.”
The statement also claims these machines offer a “modern solution” to the challenges faced by both patients and pharmacists.
Pharmacy prescription collection machines are automated kiosks, or lockers, installed in pharmacies or other accessible locations. These machines allow patients to collect their prescribed medications without needing to interact with a pharmacist directly unless deemed necessary.
After a prescription is filled, the pharmacist loads the medication package into the machine, and the patient receives a unique code to retrieve their prescription.
And it is hoped that a medpoint unit will help with the day-to-day activities at the popular Ayrshire store.
The statement adds: “It is proposed to install a Medpoint Solo Unit to the side of the existing shop, post office and pharmacy, thereby enhancing the current pharmacy services.
“Since opening in 2012, the pharmacy has been well used by the local community.
“At present, access to the pharmacy is through the shop, with a single entrance serving both. This arrangement can lead to congestion at busy times, as pharmacy customers must pass through the shop to reach the dispensary counter.
“The introduction of a Medpoint Unit will help to relieve this congestion, improving safety within the premises and create a more comfortable environment for all visitors.
“In addition, the pharmacy’s operating hours are limited. The Medpoint Unit will provide secure, out-of hours access to prescription medicines, similar to the current ATM, offering greater convenience and flexibility for customers.”
There were three objections to the proposals which related to concerns over parking, traffic and road safety, noise and light nuisance and the potential impact on the visual character of the site and wider streetscape.
However, in approving the application, with conditions, council papers said: “It is assessed that the proposed unit shall be appropriately sited and scaled, with it being considered that the proposed unit shall be of a limited overall height profile (approximately 2.7 metres in height), as well as being positioned set back behind the front building line of the main premises.
“Moreover, while the proposed unit shall exhibit a design which contrasts with the established aesthetic of the main premises within the site, it is considered that the proposed design is one characteristic of the temporary nature of the structure, and shall not materially detract from the visual character of either the wider streetscape or the existing site.”
