Three-months on from becoming the first to dispense through HubRx, we talk to the managing director and superintendent pharmacist for Beaminster Pharmacy and The Abbey Pharmacy, Mike Hewitson to see the impact it’s had on his business, team and patients…
What previously took hours, now takes minutes
Mike Hewitson owns and runs two busy pharmacies in thriving communities in Dorset.
In October 2025 his pharmacies became the very first to dispense through HubRx – the UK’s first large-scale automated dispensing facility designed specifically to benefit independent pharmacies.
Mike says he could see immediately the long-term benefits working with HubRx would bring to him, his team and his patients. But he admits that it’s taken him by surprise how quickly the transformation has happened. “I’m surprised by how many prescriptions we’ve been able push through HubRx in such a short time,” says Mike.
“The team has really embraced us working with HubRx. The more they use the service, the more they feel the benefits,” he adds.
At just one of Mike’s pharmacies more than 60% of repeat dispensing volume is currently being handled by HubRx. A move which Mike says has helped to significantly increase pharmacy capacity and clinical service delivery, while reducing stock holding and stress. “This morning was a perfect example of the impact working with HubRx has had. I sent 80 prescriptions through to the hub. That’s around 300 – 400 items. Previously that would have been hours of work. Today it took less than 20-minutes.”
And the items will also be on pharmacy shelves in Dorset in next to no time too. With HubRx impressively delivering 98% of orders back to pharmacy the next working day. “It’s such a quick turnaround – from sending to the hub, to patients being able to collect their prescriptions. It’s service levels we couldn’t possibly achieve on our own,” adds Mike.
Breaking personal bests
Both pharmacies provide a wide range of NHS and private services, with Mike and his team currently juggling vaccinations with a peak in walk-in patients suffering with seasonal illnesses.
“Pharmacy is used to managing lots, but the mental load can become overwhelming and the days very long. By working with HubRx we’ve been able to free up more focus for clinical care and make dispensing more efficient, less stressful and safer. “This month we’re on track to achieve our best month for clinical service delivery,” says Mike.
Keen to seize this newfound team capacity, Mike has also recently invested in digital marketing to raise awareness of the pharmacy’s private travel clinic. And it’s a move that’s really paying off – not only for his business, but also his pharmacists. “Today I have a pharmacist who isn’t spending his day sticking labels onto medication or stuck behind the counter, he’s back-to-back with travel appointment bookings.
“Pharmacists want to be with patients. They want to use their clinical skills.”
A lifeline for independent pharmacies
As well as offering the NPA board member and his team the opportunity to spend more of their time doing the job they’re highly trained for and enjoy, Mike also says working with HubRx has helped positively shift work/life balance too. “I don’t go home as shattered and I know the team feel the same way. “Pharmacies are under so much pressure, and I feel that HubRx could really provide them with a lifeline”, says Mike.
First-class service from day one
Often introducing new ways of working requires a long period of bedding in, but according to Mike that’s not been the case with HubRx. “The team has really embraced it. Onboarding was straight-forward and we really didn’t have any of the anticipated teething issues you expect from new tech. It’s just been simple. “The service and support are first-class”
For Mike the added benefit of being able to control how much dispensing volume he sends through the hub ensures he maintains control. “Every day in pharmacy is busy, but some are more manageable than others. Having the ability to keep control and scale up during peak periods is fantastic.”
Surprising gains
For Mike and his team spread across two pharmacies the knock-on effect of changing how they dispense has not only delivered the benefits they hoped for, but also some surprising ones they previously hadn’t considered.
“There are some benefits that we’ve gained that I didn’t expect. Not having to chase up suppliers when items were missing from a tote. Having time to catch-up on paperwork. Not going home utterly shattered and falling asleep straightway.”
All the benefits, without the cost
While Mike admits that for some pharmacy owners the idea of changing how they manage dispensing demand may feel daunting, he’s keen to add that with HubRx they really don’t have anything to lose – but instead, a lot to gain. “There’s no upfront cost to working with HubRx. I have access to state-of-the-art pharmacy robots, and I’ve not had to shell out thousands of pounds for them or have the headache of getting one installed in a listed building. It just makes sense.”