Young patients at Birmingham Children's Hospital can now witness cutting-edge technology firsthand when collecting their prescriptions, thanks to a newly opened pharmacy facility that includes a special viewing window into a robotic dispensing room.
A Purpose-Designed Paediatric Pharmacy
The Medicine Chest, the hospital's pharmacy service, has relocated to a larger, more accessible space on the ground floor of the new Loveday Street clinical building. This move is not merely a change of address but a comprehensive transformation aimed at creating a child-friendly environment that reduces anxiety and improves the overall experience for families.
Accessible via the entrance off Steelhouse Lane, adjacent to the Emergency Department, the new pharmacy boasts clear signage to guide visitors. It dispenses approximately 5,500 specialist medicines each month, serving a critical role in patient care.
Innovative Features for Enhanced Care
Key elements of the redesigned pharmacy include:
- A viewing window that allows children to observe a state-of-the-art automated dispensing robot in action, turning prescription collection into an engaging experience.
- Comfortable seating areas designed with bespoke furniture to create a calming atmosphere.
- Charity-funded 24-hour collection lockers, enabling families to pick up completed prescriptions at their convenience.
- Translated medication labels and an accessible pharmacy layout to improve understanding and ease of use for all patients and caregivers.
Hash Shah, Principal Pharmacist, emphasised the collaborative effort behind the project, stating: "Multiple teams worked seamlessly over several years to bring this shared vision into reality. It represents a significant milestone for Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and an exciting step forward for our patients, families, and pharmacy teams."
Focus on Safety and Future-Proofing
The pharmacy integrates innovative digital solutions, such as the automated dispensing robot and electronic medicine systems, to enhance accuracy and patient safety. These technologies streamline the final step of a child's care journey, which is often the most critical.
Designed with the future in mind, the facility aligns with the NHS 10-Year Plan by promoting more digital, efficient, and patient-centred models of care. Hash Shah added: "This investment allows us to work smarter, improve safety and flow, and create capacity to innovate—ultimately delivering better experiences and outcomes for the children and families we serve, both now and in the years ahead."
The new Medicine Chest exemplifies how healthcare environments can be tailored to meet the specific needs of paediatric populations, combining technological advancement with thoughtful design to support young patients and their families during hospital visits.
