On Friday 20th October, Watford MP Richard Harrington praised local health services as he opened a new community pharmacy.
Mr Harrington arrived in Leavesden to cut the ribbon and formally open the brand new Abbotswood Pharmacy. It's also the first in the area to enlist the help of a robot to enhance the safety, accuracy and efficiency of customers’ prescription orders.
When the pharmacist inputs the prescription information on the computer, the robot arms will get the medicine from the shelf, send it down a chute and it lands safely in a metal basket. The whole process takes just a few seconds!
Chemilab Limited, the company which operates the pharmacy, has been serving the local community in Watford for more 30 years through three other practices in Garston, Cassiobury and Abbots Langley.
Richard Harrington MP said:
“This is a fantastic state-of-the-art facility that will serve the local community well. Every time I visit a pharmacy, I learn about a new service they are offering- it just shows, it's worth visiting a pharmacy if you're feeling unwell! Community pharmacy is a great and accessible way to find healthcare advice and support. They are the experts on the use of medicines and should be the first port of call if you are feeling unwell."