Prescription Vending Machines

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In the summer of 2010, UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s began a trial of prescription vending machines, which are aimed at allowing customers to securely and conveniently collect NHS prescriptions. A UK first, the scheme was piloted in two Sainsbury’s stores in Sussex, in Hayward’s Heath and West Green.
 
The prescription vending machines, manufactured by Asteres, are offered as an additional choice alongside the shop’s in-store pharmacy service, thereby ensuring that customers still have the option of speaking to a pharmacist.
 
Each machine can hold up to 450 packs of medicines and each pack has a barcode so the machine can identify it. Customers using the service must register and create a unique ID and PIN code. A qualified pharmacist checks that the medication has been properly prescribed before placing it into the machine along with information telling the patient how the medication should be taken.
 
The supermarket states that the vending machines are simple to use for deposit and collection. When depositing,   customers sign in and fill out a prescription form, and place into the envelope provided. They then follow the remaining instructions on screen and take the printed receipt with the collection time and other relevant details.
 
When collecting medication, customers again sign in at the vending machine using their unique ID and PIN code. All prescriptions due for collection will appear on screen, and payment details will appear if applicable. Prescriptions can then be picked up from the collection point.
 
Customers can also group the whole family’s prescriptions together and collect them all at once.
 
The company is now four months into a twelve month trial. David Gilder, Sainsbury’s Professional Services Manager, said: “The vending machines provide a secure and convenient way for customers to obtain prescribed medication at a time that suits them. At the same time we also know that our customers value the option of speaking to a pharmacist so this is an additional service for customers who may prefer it. We will evaluate feedback from customers and our in-store pharmacists before taking a decision on whether to roll them out to more stores.”
 
Gilder went on to say that early feedback was positive: “Initial results suggest that the machines are proving to be a success. They are especially popular with the over 60s. Since they were launched over 3000 transactions have taken place and we have received just the one complaint.”