Quite the Diva
A busy Shotts pharmacy has installed a new robot to dispense medication, after securing a £140,000 funding package from Royal Bank of Scotland.
The robot, by German manufacturer BD Rowa, is known as‘Diva the Retriever’and has been employed by Crawfords Pharmacy to help dispense medicines to customers.
The new machine will cut down on administrative tasks, providing more time for pharmacy staff to undertake critical customer facing tasks.
The business is also using the funding to refit its premises and update its facilities. Crawfords is one of the largest retail employers in the area with 20 staff and was one of the first pharmacies in Scotland to adopt robot technology, introducing its first automated service in 2007.
Diva the Retriever will dispense drugs four times quicker than the existing system.
Laura McGregor, owner of Crawfords Pharmacy, said:“The robot has been a great time saver in our busy pharmacy, allowing us to focus on our top priority in delivering quality customer care and service.
“We are thankful to Royal Bank of Scotland for the funding package to renovate the pharmacy and upgrade our robot. The time saved on administration means we’re also able to look at offering additional new pharmaceutical services to customers.”
Andrew Scott, relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, added:“It has been great working with a business that has used technology to put the needs of the local community first. As early adopters, the pharmacy has clearly benefited from automation, and more free time means that staff can spend longer with customers, making sure they receive the best care and advice possible.”