From reduced error rates to faster workflows and calmer dispensaries, pharmacists say automation solutions from PillPacPlus has redefined how they manage daily dispensing and patient care.
The transition from manual blister trays to fully automated pouch dispensing has proven to be one of the most significant and rewarding operational changes in recent years. According to pharmacists across Ireland, the first twelve months with automation brought challenges, learning curves, and ultimately, measurable results.
A Smooth Start: Hands-On Training and Practical Support
At Brogans Totalhealth Pharmacy in Loughrea, pharmacist Lisa Jackson described the setup process as “seamless,” highlighting the hands-on training provided by PillPacPlus. “We were taken through every aspect, from changing paper and ribbon to producing a complete pack of patient pouches,” she said. Evening sessions were also arranged to prevent disruption to daytime operations.
This personalised support was echoed by Laura Phelan from Bagenalstown Totalhealth Pharmacy, who praised the training provided by specialist pharmacist Michele: “She was incredibly patient and guided us through every step. It’s reassuring to know the PillPacPlus team is just a phone call away as we get acquainted with our newest dispensary team member.”
Pharmacists consistently report a bedding-in period of around two months before full confidence with the system develops - a manageable adjustment supported by ongoing technical help and responsive customer care.
Transforming Daily Workflows
Once established, the change in daily operations is striking. At McGuinness Totalhealth Pharmacy in Roscommon, Ollie McGuinness said automation has simplified life for both staff and patients. “We had reached a point where our technicians were spending all their time filling trays manually. The robot has automated the process, making life simpler and safer, and greatly reducing the chances of human error.”
At Curley’s Totalhealth Pharmacy in Ballyhaunis, owner Mark Curley called PillPacPlus “a game changer,” adding that the technology “has streamlined the dispensary workflow and made medication management for our community and nursing home patients safer, faster, and more efficient.”
Across sites, teams also noted better space management. Replacing trays with pouches has freed up dispensary benches, reduced clutter, and created calmer, safer environments for both staff and patients.
Accuracy and Patient Safety
Automation’s impact on accuracy has been one of its strongest benefits. Sheena Kane at Murphy’s Totalhealth Pharmacy, Ballaghaderreen, noted that the Yuyama robot “has made checking pouches much more accessible for our pharmacists” and that “patients love the convenience of pouch medication, especially when travelling.”
When paired with additional safeguards such as the MDM Core Optical Checker, the system offers a level of consistency that manual processes can’t match. Each pouch is clearly labelled with the patient’s name, medication, and dosing time - dramatically reducing risk.
This aligns with findings across the wider sector. In England alone, an estimated 237 million medication errors occur each year, with around 16% linked to dispensing. Automated pharmacy systems directly address this risk, supporting greater safety and compliance.
Staff Morale and Efficiency
Beyond accuracy, automation has boosted morale by reducing repetitive, manual workload. Lisa Jackson at Brogans Totalhealth said, “The time reduction is massive - I can send multiple patients’ packs at once and check them at my convenience. Our technician has more time for other tasks, and rarely needing to do emergency supplies has significantly reduced our workload.”
Teams now have more time for patient-facing services and clinical consultations, directly enhancing the pharmacist-patient relationship - a core goal of the NHS and HSC pharmacy models.
Patient Convenience
Patients have also embraced the change. Pouch dispensing simplifies medicine management at home and in care settings, improving adherence and reducing confusion. For care homes, clearly labelled pouches make drug rounds faster and safer, strengthening trust between pharmacy teams and care providers.
Lessons from the First Year
Participating pharmacies offered consistent advice for others preparing to automate:
Plan canister selection carefully to suit the most frequently dispensed medicines.
Involve all staff in training from day one to build confidence quickly.
Allow time for adjustment, typically one to two months.
Use vendor support — live chat, ticket systems, and on-site visits help overcome early teething issues.
Why Automation Matters
Automation isn’t about replacing pharmacists, it’s about enabling them to work smarter. It supports:
Regulatory compliance through clear audit trails and consistent documentation.
Patient safety, by reducing human error and improving accuracy.
Business sustainability, allowing pharmacies to handle higher prescription volumes with the same staffing levels.
Looking Ahead
From Loughrea to Ballyhaunis and Roscommon, the message from Totalhealth pharmacists is clear: automation delivers. Within a year, teams have seen reduced errors, happier staff, and more efficient workflows all while improving patient care.
For pharmacies across the UK and Ireland facing workforce pressures and rising prescription volumes, the experience of these early adopters sends a powerful signal: automation isn’t the future of pharmacy, it’s the present.
About PillPacPlus
PillPacPlus provides integrated pharmacy automation solutions designed to improve safety, accuracy, and workflow efficiency. Its systems include Yuyama dispensing robots, the eMAR Plus electronic medication administration platform, and Pharmaself24 prescription collection units. Serving independent and group pharmacies across the UK and Ireland, PillPacPlus supports safer dispensing, smoother communication, and better patient outcomes.
