An exciting project has been completed to replace our dispensing robot in the Pharmacy at Medway Maritime Hospital with state-of-the-art equipment.
The robot has been upgraded with a new and more technologically advanced machine, at a cost of approximately £850,000, which is set to play a key role in our digital transformation while improving services for patients and staff.
![Shelves of medicines showing the pharmacy robot in action.](https://i0.wp.com/www.medway.nhs.uk/uploads/2024/05/Pharmacy-Robot.jpg?ssl=1&w=2000&quality=85)
The new robot, a tandem machine, named ‘Bert’ and ‘Ernie’, is more efficient, more reliable, and able to hold much more stock – about 20,000 packs of medications, increased from 12,000.
![Former Chief Pharmacist Jo Ringer cuts a ribbon at the pharmacy robot opening event.](https://i0.wp.com/www.medway.nhs.uk/uploads/2024/05/Pharmacy-Robot-Event-Ribbon-cutting-e1716993665136.jpg?ssl=1&w=2000&quality=85)
The ribbon was cut on the robot at a special ceremony on 23 May, attended by colleagues past and present from the Pharmacy, Executive Team, Estates and Facilities, IT, as well as contractors GD Smy and robot developers BD Rowa.
Former Chief Pharmacist Jo Ringer cut the ribbon, while a special robot-themed cake and other goodies were enjoyed by all.
![A smiley robot cake with cupcakes.](https://i0.wp.com/www.medway.nhs.uk/uploads/2024/05/Robot-Cake.jpg?ssl=1&w=1500&quality=85)
Credit to Sharon Meehan, Medicines Optimisation Lead Pharmacist, for creating the beautiful cake from scratch!
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