RecruitingObservational

A study exploring whether urgently required medication can be remotely issued from the REMEDY medicine machine in rural communities

This study looks at a new way for people in rural Wales to get urgent medicines when their local pharmacy is shut. Currently, if you need medicine out-of-hours (evenings, nights, weekends) after speaking to a doctor, it can be hard to get it quickly. This is especially true for those who can't travel easily. The study is testing machines called REMEDY, which work like a vending machine for medicines. After a doctor's phone consultation, they can send your medicine to a REMEDY machine near you. You'd get a code to pick it up. Researchers want to see how well this works for patients and staff, and if it's a good idea for the NHS. This could help people get medicines faster and prevent health issues from getting worse.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Bangor University

Enrolment target

350

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2027

Access to urgently required medication during the Out of Hours period following a telephone consultation with a primary care service

What is this study about?

Imagine it's the evening or weekend, and you suddenly need medicine that a doctor just prescribed over the phone, but all the local chemists are closed. For many people, especially in rural areas of Wales, getting this medicine quickly can be really difficult. You might have to travel a long way or wait until the next day, which can be worrying if you're not feeling well. Sometimes, a small problem could even become more serious if you can't start your medicine straight away.

This study is looking at a new idea to help with this. It's testing special machines called REMEDY (which stands for REmote MEdiction maDe easY). These machines are a bit like vending machines or parcel collection points, but they are specifically for medicines and you don't have to pay. The machines are being set up in places like Dolgellau and Holyhead in North Wales. If a doctor speaks to you on the phone during out-of-hours and decides you need medicine, they can send it to a REMEDY machine close to you. You'd then get a special code from the doctor to collect your medicine from the machine.

The main goal of this study is to find out if these REMEDY machines are a good and helpful way for people to get urgent medicines. Researchers will be looking at what works well, what doesn't, and how easy it is for both patients and NHS staff to use. They'll also check if it's a good use of money for the NHS. The hope is that if the machines work well, they could be used in more places across Wales and help many more people get the medicines they need quickly and easily.

Key takeaways

Tests a new 'medicine vending machine' called REMEDY in rural Wales.
Aims to help people get urgent medicines quickly after out-of-hours doctor calls.
Looks at how easy and useful the machines are for patients and staff.
Your feedback could help improve NHS services for everyone.
Participation might involve surveys or interviews, but no extra medical treatments.
Study runs from April 2025 to March 2027 and is funded by Health and Care Research Wales.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 to 110 years old. Both men and women can take part. If you're a patient, or a parent, guardian, or carer of a patient, and you've been prescribed medicine through a REMEDY machine after an out-of-hours phone doctor's appointment, you might be asked to take part.

Members of the local community who attend special events to talk about the machines are also welcome to join in discussions. Also, anyone who works for the NHS and has helped set up or is using these machines, as well as care staff who get medicines out-of-hours, can be involved.

Finally, various experts and leaders from health organisations and government who are interested in how people get urgent medicines can also contribute to the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or over?
Have you or someone you care for been prescribed medicine via a REMEDY machine after an out-of-hours doctor's call?
Are you staff involved in the REMEDY machine project or social care staff getting out-of-hours medicines?
Are you part of the local community or an expert interested in medicine access?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, what you do will depend on who you are. If you're a patient or carer who has used a REMEDY machine, you might be asked to fill out a short survey that will be sent to you automatically. Some patients, carers, and staff might also be asked to take part in interviews or group discussions to share their experiences.

Researchers will also attend community events in Dolgellau and Holyhead to hear local views. They will also spend time watching how the out-of-hours services work and how the machines are used. The study will also look at information from the REMEDY machines themselves, as well as general records from the out-of-hours service, all without using your name. There will also be some work done with pharmacy staff to understand the time it takes to restock and manage the machines. There are no extra hospital visits or special medicines involved; you would continue with your usual medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you could help test a new way to provide urgent medicines quickly in rural parts of Wales, potentially making out-of-hours care better and reducing delays in treatment. This study might also help the NHS decide if these machines should be used more widely. The main risks involve some possible inconvenience from taking part in surveys or interviews, and you might feel a bit upset if you talk about negative experiences, but support will be available if you need it. We've taken great care to protect your privacy by keeping your information anonymous and handling it securely. There are no direct medical risks as your usual medical care will continue as normal alongside the use of the REMEDY machine. Remember, you are free to choose not to take part or to withdraw at any time, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Lhb
City only
Bangor, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the REMEDY machine?

It's like a vending machine for medicines, allowing you to pick up urgent prescriptions out-of-hours after a doctor's phone consultation.

Who can use the REMEDY machine?

It's for patients in specific rural areas who need urgent medicines prescribed by an out-of-hours doctor. You'd get a code to use it.

Will I have to pay for the medicine from REMEDY?

No, there is no charge to patients for medicines collected from the REMEDY machine.

How long will the study last?

The study is expected to run from April 2025 to March 2027.

What if I change my mind about taking part in the study?

You are free to decide not to take part or to withdraw at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Rebecca Payne

rebecca.payne@bangor.ac.uk +44 (0)7977297373 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.