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24/7 medication dispensing at Radboudumc thanks to smart locker solution

How Radboudumc Nijmegen allows patients to collect their medication from the hospital pharmacy 24/7 safely and independently with a bespoke wall of 69 smart lockers, without adding extra pressure to the pharmacy counter.

Radboud Pharmacy medication dispensing

For the 24-hour hospital pharmacy of Radboudumc, Nextlox and Ghala developed a smart locker solution for automated medication dispensing. A wooden locker wall with 69 lockers has been installed in a specially designed alcove, accessible from both the pharmacy and customer sides. The lockers are controlled by the Blinkaspace Locker Management Software.

It Radboud university medical centre is a leading academic hospital with an international reputation for care, research, and education. The organisation strives for person-centred care and innovative care processes that contribute to better health and a higher quality of service.  

Problem

It Radboud university medical centre in Nijmegen has fully renovated its main entrance and 24-hour hospital pharmacy. The aim from the chemist was to offer patients a safe, efficient, and 24/7 accessible way to collect medication, without adding extra pressure to the pharmacy counter or staff.

Anyone who steps into the building immediately feels the city's rich history. Not surprisingly, the Stadsarchief attracts many visitors, from researchers and students to tourists looking to discover Amsterdam's hidden stories.

Realisation

In collaboration with GHALA Office Furnishings, Nextlox realised a custom locker wall consisting of 69 smart lockers in various sizes. The lockers have been installed in a custom-made alcove. The finish of the lockers has been carefully coordinated with the interior: natural oak on the pharmacy side and HPL Brushed Bronze on the customer side. The lockers can be opened from both the pharmacy and customer sides, with an operating terminal and QR code scanner for customers, and a ZEBRA handheld scanner for employees. 

Nextlox was responsible for the electronics (locks, terminal, scanner) and the full software integration, including: 

  • Blinkaspace Locker Management Software 
  • Blinkaspace Pharmacy Software Module 
  • Coupling with LOXIS AIS 

The software runs on-premises within the pharmacy, directly by the main entrance, to comply with the strict requirements concerning data security and continuity. 

Working from the pharmacy side

  1. Staff scan the barcode of the medicine pack with the Zebra handheld scanner. 
  2. They select a free locker of the right size; the door opens automatically. 
  3. The package is placed, after which the customer automatically receives an email stating that the medication is ready. 
  4. This structured workflow prevents an incorrect prescription from being issued. 
Employee scans barcode of medicine package

Step 1 - Scan

Select free locker of the correct size

Step 2 - Choose a locker

Step 3 - Placing

Working from the client side

  1. The customer will receive an email with a QR code and locker number. 
  2. By holding the QR code to the scanner, the correct locker will open. 

Result & extra features

Thanks to the integrated software, the pharmacy has continuous overview and control over every medicine package. Additional functionality includes: 

  • Direct notification to the pharmacy as soon as a package has been collected by the customer. 
  • A notification when a parcel remains in the locker for too long. 
  • Ability to retrieve a long, flat package from the locker with a handheld device and store it elsewhere, with automatic customer notification. 
  • Full tracking of the exact location of every parcel, at all times. 

Conclusion

With this smart locker solution Radboud university medical centre capable of offering a 24/7 medication collection service, without compromising on efficiency, safety, or ease of use. Ea powerful example of how Nextlox together with GHALA Business Interiors successfully integrates software and hardware within a complex healthcare environment.

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