Boots expands modernisation plans with new galley layout for dispensaries
Dispensing takes place in front of patients with the galley layout,
seen here at Haywards Heath |
Boots The Chemists plans to refit all its dispensaries within the next three to four years as part of a modernisation programme in preparation for the introduction of the new pharmacy contracts.
The new dispensaries will take one of two layouts: a carousel in larger
branches (already in place in 300 branches) and a new galley style in
small stores.
Gary Primrose, pharmacy reinvigoration manager, Boots, said: “The
design challenge was to take the principles of the carousel — the
pharmacist being accessible, efficient access to dispensary stock and
being able to serve more than one person at a time — and to mirror
these in the galley layout.”
The galley has an open format with shelves of dispensary items on the
back wall and a counter where items are dispensed in front of patients
while they wait. Prescriptions for multiple items, or where more privacy
is required, can be dispensed in an area away from the counter.
The galley format has been installed in 85 branches over the past six
months. “Eventually all stores will have either a carousel or a
galley dispensary,” said Mr Primrose. He notes the impact of the
change from bulk storage pots to patient packs on dispensary layouts: “Forty
per cent more storage space is needed for the same amount of stock.” The
galley holds three times as much stock in the same area as the company’s
old style of dispensary.
Commenting on the new galley dispensary in Boots’ Haywards Heath
branch, pharmacist Louise Cray said: “It is more efficient: it
takes less time to dispense prescriptions, it’s easier to find
stock, housekeeping such as date checking is easier, and it looks cleaner
and more professional.”
Waiting until April to see what pharmacies will need in response to the
new pharmacy contract in England and Wales is not an option for Boots. “An
overnight reaction for us would be impossible,” said Mr Primrose.
Therefore, the company is undertaking a series of trials. For example,
a variety of consultation rooms and booths has been designed. Consultation
booths have already been installed in some branches in Scotland. However,
Mr Primrose said it made no sense to fit them as a standard part of the
dispensary refits until more is known about the services pharmacists
will provide in the future and what equipment will be required in consultation
areas. “It is our intent that eventually all Boots stores will
have consultation areas, although not necessarily separate rooms.” |
