McGreals Newsletter

Robotic Dispensing Machine Launching in Blessington Pharmacy

Kilian talks about the McGreal family pharmacy tradition and the robotic dispenser which is soon to arrive in Bessington Pharmacy.

Q. Both your dad and your granddad were pharmacists in Blessington. That must be some act to follow

Yes, my granddad Tom senior first opened Mc Greals pharmacy in Blessington in 1961. My father qualified as a pharmacist in the early 70s. They were both renowned for the level of service they provided over the years. As third generation, I hope to carry on their same level of service and if I end up being half as good as they were, it will be some going!

Q. Pharmacy must have changed a lot over the years.
Yes and no. Good advice has always been the mainstay of a well run pharmacy so from that perspective that hasn’t changed. We actually make up fewer medicines in the pharmacy now however there is a much wider range of drugs to choose from and give advice on. We installed our first dispensing computers in 1991 and now there is no way we could function without them. Since then there has been a photo centre, physiotherapy clinic, day spa and beauty salon... so yes there have been big changes over the years.

Q. And the next step is robotic dispensing?
Yes, sounds daunting doesn’t it! I have been assured it isn’t. Although we are the first in Ireland to get this machine, it is being used very successfully throughout Europe.

Q. So how does it work?
Once we enter a prescription, the robot will collect and label all the items leaving it ready to be checked. As before every prescription is checked by the pharmacist.

Q What are the benefits of that?
There are two major benefits as we see it. Firstly, it will enable us to dispense far more quickly which will reduce waiting times during busy periods, and secondly, and most importantly in my opinion it will allow our pharmacists and technicians spend more time giving advice to customers. That human element is hugely important. I think it is very important the pharmacist has the time to have a bit of a chat with everyone who walks through the door.

Q. So its a win win situation
With a bit of luck it will be. Obviously there will be a bit of work involved in getting it up and running. The installation will be finished by the middle of July. Hopefully it will help us continue to be one of the best pharmacies in the country. Dad and Grandad would be proud.... I hope!