Pharmacy Design and Fit Out Company complete community pharmacy design for Greenock Health Centre Pharmacy

An integral part of the community for over 40 years, Greenock Health Centre Pharmacy recently moved into new premises as part of the creation of the new Greenock Health & Care Centre.  Operational since May this year, Greenock Health & Care Centre was created through a partnership between Inverclyde HSCP, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Inverclyde Council, hub West Scotland and the local community.

Part of the new health centre included the creation of a new health centre pharmacy within the building, designed and fitted-out by Retail Design Consultants.

John Ward, Superintendent Pharmacist, said:

“The original health centre, which was located less than 500 metres from here, had been in operation for over four decades and was one of the first in Scotland to have an integral pharmacy.  When the decision to create the new health centre was taken, it offered the opportunity to create a modern and efficient health centre pharmacy that will serve the community for many years.

“We had heard about Retail Design Consultants and knew they had an excellent reputation from conversations with colleagues in the sector.

“The starting point for this whole exercise took place in late 2019 when we opted to install a BD Rowa robot as we knew this would be pivotal to how we operated in the future.  We needed to use a pharmacy design company that has worked with robotics companies.   RDC came highly recommended by the BD Rowa rep, and I have to say, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and the reasons for that are numerous.

“Everything had to be designed around the BD Rowa.  Anyone who doesn’t know anything about incorporating a robot would naturally think to install it so that it is flush against a wall.  RDC incorporated in their design the most effective positioning of the robot to leave space down the side which has given us extra storage space and an extra dispensing point.  This is just one example of a simple design element making a vast difference to day-to-day operations.

“I also spoke to the team about the creation of centre islands within the dispensary. Two central workstations were incorporated, which have made workflow and processes far more efficient.

“The design has also made maximum use of wall space with excellent floor to ceiling storage throughout the dispensary.  Aesthetically, everything is clean and fresh with the graphite colour of the robot replicated in the colour scheme throughout the pharmacy.

“Communication and collaboration were key to everything.  I had my ideas of what I needed, but how to interpret that in pharmacy design is RDC’s forte.  The project was challenging for everyone involved because the pandemic threw up a lot of unknowns, plus there were multiple issues beyond everyone’s control.  Opening of the new health centre was a constantly moving target and we only had three months’ notice of a final date for opening.

“There were also other external factors affecting the project, for example, working out when the robot would arrive, and scheduling works to coincide with its arrival created challenges.  I can honestly say that I don’t know how I would have done it without the expert guidance and help from Retail Design Consultants.  RDC not only looked after the physical design and fit-out but also lots of other project management tasks that needed to be done, such as obtaining building warrants and other permissions.  RDC liaised and communicated clearly with all stakeholders, which was not an easy task in the middle of a pandemic.  The exceptional added value was all the support and guidance I received from RDC before, during and ongoing.

“The result is a modern, spacious environment that’s an enjoyable workspace, has been well received by the community and is increasingly showing a positive return as we gradually get back to more normal conditions.”

Programme of works by Retail Design Consultants:

  • Full Design, Architectural and Building Warrant application services
  • RDC appointed as the Principal Designer for contract and fully coordinated with NHS , Greenock Health Centre, and Facilities Management contractor as required
  • Bespoke Design and manufactured furniture package
  • Full Turnkey package of trade contractors –  Joinery , Flooring , Ceilings , Decoration , Internal Shutters and Signage
  • Full Turnkey package of all Mechanical +Electrical services – Ventilation , Air Conditioning, Plumbing , Small Power, Lighting, Alarms system integration to NHS system
  • Supply of all sundry items to allow pharmacy to be fully operational at point of handover to client –  (Pharmacy fridges , Controlled drugs cabinets , Chairs , Staff facilities and lockers , Leaflet holders, etc)