GPs 'concerned' over prescription machines
Monday 16th August 2010
Machines to dispense prescriptions for patients have been rolled out on a trial in two supermarkets in Britain, but some medical professionals are not convinced that the technology is a good idea.
Sainsbury's announced the introduction of its Express Prescription machines at the end of July and is conducting a year-long trial into the technology to discover whether patients prefer the technology.
However, Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the British Medical Association GP Committee, urged caution over the introduction of such machines.
Speaking to the BBC, he commented: "Giving out medicine is not just box-shifting. The patient doesn't know if there are any questions that need to be asked or answers. The pharmacist hasn't met them so doesn't know either."
Those working in pharmacy jobs may be following the trial closely to see whether a nationwide roll-out is likely.
Patients who use these vending machines will need to deposit their prescription and return later to collect the medication, which has been placed in the machine by a pharmacist.
An ID and pin code, which are set up when the prescription is deposited, is required to collect the medication.
Written by Alex Franklin Stortford
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