A GROUND-breaking “pharmacy robot” will allow patients in Colchester to pick up their repeat medication 24/7.

Abbey Field Pharmacy has unveiled the high-tech piece of kit, which automates the prescription collection process for customers.

The MedPoint acts like an ATM for prescriptions and is the first piece of kit of its kind in Colchester.

County councillor for the area Dave Harris said the facility was brilliant news for his constituents.

He said: “This facility is going to be a boon to residents who will be able to avoid queues and book their medicines to dispensed safely and at a time which suits them.

“This innovation is the future for solving crowds and queues.”

The MedPoint is operated by the pharmacy with staff giving residents an access code to collect prescriptions at a convenient time for them once they are registered.

It is highly secure with integrated alarms, CCTV and is temperature controlled to handle refrigerated medicines such as insulin.

Claire Langan, superintendent pharmacist at Abbey Field Pharmacy, said: “When the pandemic kicked-off we recognised that there were going to be significant challenges in managing workload and ensuring we could continue to provide patients with the medication they need, when they need it.

“MedPoint is a fantastic solution as our patients can order their prescriptions in the usual way but they can pick it up any time day or night, all while observing physical distancing.

“It’s helping us to alleviate pressure on the NHS and will allow us to provide the best possible access to patients in the new normal we are faced with.”

The robot will help to reduce queues at pharmacies during the coronavirus pandemic and provide a lifeline to those who struggle to pick up their prescriptions during regular working hours, particularly key workers.

To register to use the MedPoint, visit abbeyfieldpharmacy.co.uk/medpoint or speak to staff in the chemist.