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Post office trials robotic pharmacy kiosk in Scotland

Aberdeenshire, Scotland is beginning a trial with a robotic pharmacy kiosk which allows users to talk to a pharmacist remotely and have their prescriptions dispensed to them.

July 13, 2015

Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is beginning a trial with a robotic pharmacy kiosk which allows users to talk to a pharmacist remotely and have their prescriptions dispensed to them, according to areport by The Herald Scotland.

The kiosk, designed by a team from the University of Aberdeen, acts as a vending machine and telepresence device and allows users to place prescriptions into the kiosk for the pharmacist. The pharmacist can then ensure the medicine is placed in the kiosk for pick-up the following day. The kiosk also stocks over-the-counter medicine. 

The primary purpose of this kiosk is to provide health services to rural residents who may not have easy access to a pharmacist, according to Christine Bond, chair in general practice and primary care at University of Aberdeen.

The kiosk also provides Minor Ailment Service, which allows users to receive advice from pharmacists for minor health issues. The kiosk is currently located at the Aberdeenshire post office.