Work is on track for the new pharmacy dispensing robot and inpatient pharmacy rebuild to be delivered on schedule – and last week some of the Pharmacy Team saw their new space for the first time.
Specialist Commissioning and Transformation Pharmacist, Nigel Watson, showed colleagues where their new home at CRH will be from the middle of April, and also gave them a sneak preview into the almost-complete robot.
Their space will include huge dispensing benches, and a dedicated secure pigeon hole for wards to come and collect their medicines.
Pharmacy Technician, Aimee Ellam, pictured below, said: “To be honest, the pigeon holes are one of the things I’m looking forward to the most. I work late nights and for wards to be able to come along and get their medicines at a time that suits the nursing staff, rather than having to rush down before we close, will be so much better for them, and much less pressure."
Nigel added: “It’s fair to say the space the team are working in at the moment feels like a shoe box compared to their fantastic new space. So, a huge shout-out to the team who have done a brilliant job of keeping the service going. I know it’s been challenging for them working in such a small space.
“The whole build has gone exceptionally well. Our contractors, Heatworks, have stuck to plan, coped with some last-minute changes, and carried out the works with good humour and professionalism. And as ever, the Service Performance Team and Equans have been brilliant to work alongside.”
Key dates for the next steps:
- Later this month CHFT colleagues will be able to vote on a name for the new robot
- Friday, 15th March – contractors hand the space over the Pharmacy Team
- Monday, 18th March – training begins for Pharmacy colleagues
- Date tbc in April – open day for colleagues to come and see the robot in action
- Go-live by the end of April
