A pharmacy in Leavesden has become the first in the area to enlist the help of a robot to enhance the safety, accuracy and efficiency of customers’ prescription orders.

Watford MP Richard Harrington cut the ribbon on the cutting-edge technology at a launch event attended by NHS England and the Hertfordshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee at Abbotswood Park Pharmacy, in Cunningham Way, on Friday.

The robot, created by German company BD Automation, helps to speed up the prescription dispensation process.

When the pharmacist inputs the prescription information on the computer, two robot arms get the medicine from the shelf before sending it through a chute and landing it safely in a metal basket. The whole process takes just a few seconds.

Mr Harrington 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 pharmacies are 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."

The prescription-grabbing robot has been named Flash by students at nearby primary school Leavesden Green JMI, who came to a decision following an election where all the years put forward a different name before the whole school voted for their favourite.

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.

Managing director Girish Mehta said: "Community pharmacies, like other NHS healthcare providers, need to refocus, adapt, innovate and collaborate to meet the increasing demands on the healthcare system to best serve their patients."