A new drug dispensing robot, designed to improve access to urgent medication outside pharmacy hours, has been described as " world- leading" and the first of its kind in Europe. The green REMEDY machine has been installed outside Dolgellau Hospital in Gwynedd, where residents can face up to 50- mile journeys to the nearest open pharmacy during nights or weekends.

The initiative aims to bridge a critical healthcare gap, especially in rural communities. Patients calling NHS 111 out of hours can be prescribed medication following a teleconsultation. A clinician remotely accesses the machine, selects the appropriate medication, and sends the patient a PIN via text. The patient then enters this code into the machine to retrieve their prescription.

Dr Rebecca Payne, a GP and co- leader of the trial, explained: " It' s ground- breaking technology. Seventy percent of 111 callers are managed over the phone, but if you live somewhere like Dolgellau, it' s difficult to get medication urgently. This project brings together academia, health services, and industry to meet real needs. "

The machine stocks a range of urgent treatments including antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers. Dr Adam Mackridge of Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board said the system is easy to use. " People used to travel to Bangor just to pick up medicine. Now, with this machine, they can get it locally after a remote consultation, " he said.