Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has completed a major upgrade of its Inpatient Pharmacy at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, introducing advanced automated dispensing robots and a redesigned dispensary to help patients receive their medicines more quickly and safely.
The investment builds on earlier automation introduced by the Trust and reflects the growing demands placed on pharmacy services within a busy acute hospital.
DBTH first introduced automated dispensing technology in 2012, a move that halved dispensing times and improved efficiency. The latest upgrade expands on that success, with:
- Increased storage capacity
- Additional dispensing chutes
- A redesigned layout to improve workflow and efficiency
These enhancements help the pharmacy cope with rising activity across wards, theatres and critical care, ensuring medicines are supplied without delay.
For patients, the upgraded system delivers:
- Quicker access to medicines
- Improved dispensing accuracy
- Safer care throughout their hospital stay
Automation reduces the need for manual handling, lowering the risk of errors and improving overall safety. Improved stock control systems also help ensure medicines are available when needed.
Crucially, the changes free up pharmacy staff time, allowing colleagues to spend more time supporting direct patient care.
The refurbishment has created a more efficient working environment within the existing footprint of the department, avoiding the need for physical expansion.
A redesigned layout and the addition of more dispensing points have streamlined workflow, enabling staff to work more effectively during peak periods.
As part of the upgrade, the Trust has also strengthened security arrangements within the pharmacy.
New measures include:
- Fingerprint‑controlled storage
- Improved systems for managing and monitoring controlled drugs
These enhancements further strengthen governance and safety around high‑risk medicines.
Chief Pharmacist at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, Rachel Wilson, commented:
“The new system helps us deliver medicines more quickly and safely, meaning patients get what they need sooner while our teams can spend more time supporting patient care.”
Zara Jones, the trust’s acting Chief Executive, added:
“Investing in modern technology like this allows us to provide safer, faster services for our patients while supporting our colleagues to deliver the best possible care – a huge thank you to all involved.”
The inpatient pharmacy plays a vital role in supplying medicines for patients staying in hospital, including those in inpatient wards, operating theatres, and critical care units.
The service ensures that treatment is delivered safely, accurately and on time throughout a patient’s admission.
Alongside the inpatient service, DBTH operates a separate outpatient and visitor pharmacy at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Located close to the Emergency Department, the pharmacy provides convenient access for patients attending outpatient clinics and those collecting prescriptions following treatment.
This allows patients and visitors to access medicines easily, without needing to travel to another site.
Together, the upgraded inpatient pharmacy and accessible outpatient service strengthen DBTH’s ability to deliver timely, safe and effective medicines management.
Image credit: iStock
