A pharmacy in Liverpool is set to bring in 24 hour prescription dispensing for some patients and remove the need for them to come in to see a pharmacist.
Orrell Park Pharmacy has applied to Liverpool Council for permission to alter the front of its shop to install a Medpoint machine, which allows patients with repeat prescriptions to retrieve them at any time.
The machine, which works using a PIN number system for patients to access their prescriptions, is operational 24/7 so does not require patients to go to the pharmacy during its opening hours.
It would also remove the face-to-face contact currently required when picking up from a pharmacy, though the application does not suggest that the installation of the machine is a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent social distancing needs.
The Medpoint website says the machine allows prescriptions to be dispensed more quickly and allows pharmacists to spend more time with patients that require face-to-face care.
It says: "Modern life is busy & many patients can struggle to get to their pharmacy within normal opening hours and they are seeking convenience.
"At the same time, pharmacies and dispensaries are struggling with rising costs and NHS cuts.
"Extending opening hours is not an option and subsidising delivery services may no longer be sustainable."
The Medpoint machine would not affect how patients needing new prescriptions use the pharmacy as they would still need to fill it using the current method.
The business model of many pharmacies has come under pressure in recent years, with more than 100 closing in England in 2019.
Liverpool Council will now decide on Orrell Park Pharmacy's application.
