Prescription machine is just what doc ordered
Pills and potions are set to be available from an automatic prescription machine.
Patients will be able to get their medication just like they would withdrawing cash from the bank.
If it gets the go-ahead at a Paisley chemist, it will be the first 24-hour dispenser in Renfrewshire.
The Mackie Pharmacy on Glasgow Road has lodged a planning application with Renfrewshire Council.
It is owned by Buddie John Paul Mackie, who, two years ago, said it was a“dream come true”to open a shop in his hometown.
Now he wants the frontage completely renewed to incorporate the vending machine.
After prescriptions are sent or handed in to the chemist, a text will be sent to people when their medicine has been loaded into the dispenser by a member of staff.
It means no waiting in queues and the prescriptions can be picked up at any time, night or day.
Controlled drugs, such as methadone for addiction and morphine for pain, will not be loaded in the machine. They will have to be collected, as normal, at the counter.
Mackie Pharmacy has already lodged plans for two of its outlets in Glasgow.
But it is thought there are fewer than 50 operating in the UK.
The second machine in Scotland was installed in Partick in April.
Developers say that it would mean patients wouldn’t have to face waiting times, wasted journeys and allow them to collect prescriptions at more convenient times like outside working hours.
John Paul, the owner of the seven-strong West of Scotland Mackie chain, was not available for comment.
Last year, he installed a robot called Big Rab at his pharmacy in Cardonald.
The £180,000 machine can sort prescription drug stock and put it away on shelves, as well as checking dates.