Pharmacy is Evolving - and so must the supply chain
Automation is here
2025 has already proven to be a year of landmark change in UK healthcare. With NHS England now integrated into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the launch of a new 10-year health plan, the government’s vision of a “Neighbourhood Health Service” places community pharmacies firmly at the heart of local care.
This transformation comes as digital innovation and automation redefine how medicines are dispensed and managed. By 2035, automation and robotics are expected to play a central role in both dispensing and patient-facing pharmacy services.
Why Automation Matters Now
Automation is no longer a future concept—it’s a necessity. By automating repetitive and administrative tasks, pharmacies can redirect their focus toward clinical services and meaningful patient care. Robots, PMRs, and workflow automation are already becoming part of daily operations, and the pace of adoption is set to accelerate with the upcoming amendment to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, which will enable Hub and Spoke dispensing between different legal entities from October 2025.
For pharmacists, this change offers new opportunities:
- Large pharmacy groups can scale efficiency and optimise multi-site operations.
- Independent pharmacies can access centralised services or collaborate to form shared “co-operative hubs.”
The message is clear: start exploring automation now to build resilience and long-term success.
The Supply Chain Must Evolve Too
Automation depends on more than machinery. It relies on a robust and adaptable consumables supply chain. Bags, labels, bottles, trays, and cartons remain the foundation of every pharmacy workflow.
For over 60 years, EMT Healthcare has supported UK pharmacies with trusted consumables, evolving its range alongside industry needs through innovations such as MDS trays and the Pillbook Ultra.
In recognition of the vital link between automation and consumables, Centred Solutions and EMT Healthcare have formed a strategic partnership. EMT Healthcare will now serve as the preferred consumables partner for Centred Solutions’ FLOWRx automation systems—designed to power hub and spoke dispensing models across the UK.
As hub and spoke dispensing continues to gather pace, it’s important for industry providers to work together to support community pharmacies as they transition to this new way of working,”
“We’re delighted to partner with EMT Healthcare to ensure our hub and spoke customers can access high-quality consumables, fully compatible with our FLOWRx systems—helping free up more time for patient care.
This collaboration ensures that every label, bag, and ribbon used within automated workflows meets the highest standards for quality, reliability, and sustainability—reducing downtime and supporting continuous dispensing.
This partnership is about preparing for the future. As automation and robotics reshape healthcare, the hub-and-spoke model will grow in importance. By combining Centred Solutions’ innovation with EMT’s six decades of expertise and next-day reliability, we’re giving pharmacies confidence in today’s supply and tomorrow’s technology-driven solutions.
Looking Ahead
The pharmacy of the future will be digital, automated, and patient-focused. This partnership between Centred Solutions and EMT Healthcare creates a strong foundation for pharmacies to embrace innovation and evolve confidently.
Would you like to talk to our team about your automation options?
