Customer Story | Efficiency with ProScript Connect OPD

Instore Pharmacy is one of the first in the UK to benefit from a new feature in ProScript Connect that’s helping pharmacy teams work more efficiently. By adopting Original Pack Dispensing (OPD), they’re streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and improving stock management — all while delivering safe, effective patient care.

Earlier this year, Original Pack Dispensing (OPD) functionality in ProScript Connect was made available to customers across the UK. This new update allows pharmacy teams to make the most of new OPD regulations, whereby pharmacists in England, using their professional judgement, can supply up to 10% more or less than the prescribed quantity for an eligible prescription. This means teams can dispense medications in the manufacturer’s original packaging, rather than splitting them into separate quantities.

Instore Pharmacy, based in a busy retail park in Worcestershire, dispenses more than 10,000 items each month. As part of a 12-branch pharmacy group, the level of automation varies across sites — some branches have robots and are fully tech-enabled, whilst others still rely on more traditional manual dispensing methods.

The team at Instore Pharmacy is dedicated to using technology to improve safety and efficiency. Having used ProScript Connect for over 15 years, they’ve recently started using its Original Pack Dispensing (OPD) functionality – a feature that’s already making a noticeable difference in how they manage stock, reduce waste and streamline dispensing.

Simpler, safer dispensing

“It’s been about six weeks and we’ve already seen changes,” says Akwal Singh, Pharmacy Owner at Instore Pharmacy. “The number of split packs on our shelves has gone down massively. That’s given us space, reduced waste and made the whole dispensary feel more efficient.”

ProScript Connect’s OPD functionality also supports safer dispensing practices.

“When you’re keeping the labels on the original packs rather than sticking them onto white cartons. That means when a pharmacist checks it, they’re checking the original packaging. It really does reduce the risk of dispensing errors.”

We’re not wasting time repackaging. That alone cuts out the need for additional cartons and the extra manual effort involved."

Akwal Singh
Pharmacy owner at Instore Pharmacy

Reduced waste and increased profitability

“Before, we’d end up with part-used packs that just sat on the shelves. A lot of those would go unused and eventually be disposed of. With OPD supported in ProScript Connect, we’re giving out full packs, so we’re not left with bits and pieces we can’t reuse.”

This change has an impact on both cost and sustainability. “There’s a clear benefit to stock holding, waste reduction and ultimately profitability.”

Say we save just 10 minutes a day on splitting packs. That’s an hour a week and that’s potentially several COVID vaccines or other services. It all adds up.”

Akwal Singh
Pharmacy owner at Instore Pharmacy

Looking ahead

By embedding OPD into the ProScript Connect workflow, Instore Pharmacy is not just adopting new functionality — they’re making it work in a way that’s scalable, safe, and sustainable. With planned enhancements to OPD functionality within ProScript Connect, pharmacies can expect even tighter integration and improved usability in the near future.

“We’re glad it’s here, and I’m sure Optum will keep listening to pharmacies like ours. It’s one of those changes that just makes sense.”