Robot Dispenser Revolutionizes Antibiotic Delivery, Deemed 'Ground-Breaking' - International Edition (English)

A novel robotic device that enables patients to obtain emergency medications when nearby drugstores are shut down has been praised as revolutionary.

The REMEDY machine, touted as the first of its type in Europe, will undergo trials in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, where residents often have to travel 50 miles (80 kilometers) to reach pharmacies that operate late at night or on weekends.

People who contact NHS 111 out-of-hours and require medication urgently will be given the option of collecting their prescriptions from the machine, which is positioned outside Dolgellau Hospital.

"This represents groundbreaking technology; employing it for this purpose has never before occurred in Europe. It’s truly at the forefront of global innovation," stated Dr Rebecca Payne, who participated as a general practitioner in the trial.

Dr. Payne collaborated with Prof Dyfrig Hughes from Bangor University to lead the development of the trial.

"[The device] is designed to dispense medication following a teleconsultation," explained Dr. Payne.

We understand that 70% of individuals dialing 111 receive guidance over the phone, yet for those residing in places such as Dolgellau, where pharmacies aren’t available outside regular hours or on Sundays, obtaining medicine becomes extremely challenging.

It's incredibly thrilling to see academia joining forces with the healthcare sector and industries to address an actual patient requirement.

How does it work?

The device is stocked with a range of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and inhalers.

Dr. Adam Mackridge from Betsi Cadwaladr health board stated that it was "very straightforward" for patients to utilize the system.

"A clinician like myself working in 111 would speak to a patient and clinically assess them," said Dr Mackridge.

"If they needed some medication, then I can log into the machine remotely, it generates a pin code which we read out to the patient and also text to them.

The patient arrives at the machine, enters the PIN code, and it will dispense the medication I have chosen.

"Individuals residing in this region, whether they are permanent residents or visiting for holidays, traditionally had to cover extensive distances to access after-hour medical services from a general practitioner," explained Dr. MacKridge.

However, in recent years, we have managed to provide more remote consultations, allowing us to assist individuals nearer to their homes, which has proven advantageous in numerous ways.

However, we face the challenge of delivering medication to individuals who have undergone remote clinical assessments.

"At the moment, prior to the machine coming here, patients would have to travel potentially as far as Bangor (50 miles away) to be able to access medicines when the pharmacies in the area were closed."

Dr Jonathan Butcher, who works as a local GP in Dolgellau, said the new machine meant people would no longer have to wait to collect their medication.

"That will help them feel better quicker," he said.

Everyone cannot make the journey or drive significant distances during evening hours or weekends to locate a pharmacy that’s operational.

Dr Butcher said the prospect of travelling a long way for a prescription meant some patients "did not seek healthcare when they needed it".

This presents a great chance, and once individuals recognize that they can obtain their medication at a nearby location within the town, it will immensely benefit them.

Jane Jardine, who lives in the surrounding area, said it had been a struggle to get hold of medication.

"It’s terrifying to obtain medicine and consult with a doctor and all that, so I believe [the machine] is an excellent concept," she stated.

Llinos Rowlands from Dolgellau was also fond of the concept behind the new device.

"If it leads to bringing in medicines without additional costs and assists people, then it’s a positive development," she said additionally.

"'I've been lucky with my health... but I'd be very grateful to have something like this in the area if I needed it," she added.

"There is quite an older community in Dolgellau and it's a long way to travel an hour to get medicine, so it makes a big difference, not to mention the additional cost of having to travel, or some people not driving and having to catch a bus. And that's not going to be easy for someone who is not in the best of health."

The REMEDY machine, a collaborative effort between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Bangor University, with funding from Health Care Research Wales, will undergo a two-year trial phase.

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