Alliance Healthcare Introduces OptiTote to Drive Efficiencies for Pharmacists

Alliance Healthcare is today announcing the launch of OptiTote, a semi automated repeat dispensing solution, designed to improve efficiency and accuracy in pharmacy operations.

The technology will enable pharmacists to partially automate repeat prescription dispensing, simplifying the dispensing operation and freeing up valuable time. This will enable pharmacists to devote more time to growing their business, including upskilling staff and patient care.

As Pharmacies face increasing pressure to optimise workflows, expand services, and reduce costs, OptiTote’s partial automation removes the need for manual unpacking and shelf picking, allowing pharmacy teams to collate patient orders more accurately using advanced barcode scanning technology. Furthermore, OptiTote's 'just in time' stock fulfilment allows pharmacies to maintain lower inventory levels, thereby reducing the capital tied up in stock.

How does it work?

Managed entirely by in-house dispensing teams, this patient-specific tote system integrates seamlessly with Alliance Healthcare’s ordering systems, offering a more streamlined approach to repeat prescriptions.

Unlike traditional repeat prescription management, OptiTote enables pharmacies to maintain full control over prescriptions while accelerating the dispensing process.

OptiTote is ordered via the OptiTote software, the order is encrypted to protect patient data and is sent through to the Alliance Healthcare service centre, where it is assembled ready for dispatch the following morning. The OptiTote is delivered with the pharmacy’s standard Alliance Healthcare order.

Paula Sutherland, Sales Director at Alliance Healthcare said: "Now more than ever, pharmacies need innovative solutions to simplify processes and enable them to focus more on patient care. As pharmacies adapt to evolving healthcare demands, OptiTote provides a practical solution that simplifies and speeds up repeat prescription dispensing, giving pharmacists more time to spend training their teams, supporting patients or running their business.”

Dr Jackie Lewis - Pharmacist Director of Lewis Pharmacy in Exmouth, Devon said: “As a business owner and superintendent I have more time to devote to governance of the pharmacy and to developing private services and developing my skills as an IP Pathfinder which can be up to 6 half day sessions per week. Through Optitote we have more available staff time which enables us to run technician service clinics 3 mornings a week.”

The standard OptiTote system is available at no cost and is integrated into existing PMR workstations. The OptiTote team at Alliance Healthcare provide a detailed bespoke training plan for each pharmacy to ensure that key pharmacy team members are fully trained and are confident in using the product. The training is conducted in a live environment within the pharmacy with the Alliance OptiTote product technician on hand to support and guide.

Visit our webpage to find out more information including how to enquire about OptiTote.

Pharmacies can also reach out to their Alliance Healthcare account manager if you’d like to sign up to OptiTote. If eligible, our dedicated team will then work with the pharmacy with a mutual date to install the kit and then train and support the pharmacy team.

Alliance Healthcare UK announces changes to its network

Alliance Healthcare UK today announced that it was continuing the transformation of its network by commencing development of a new, multipurpose Central Logistics Centre (CLC) in Birmingham that will become its largest facility and most advanced in Europe.

Set to open in spring 2026, the CLC will create more than 200 jobs and incorporate 95% pick automation alongside an advanced radio frequency identification solution unique to Alliance Healthcare UK. The CLC comprises 300,000 square feet, increasing the company’s total UK warehouse space by 25%.

In creating this capacity, the CLC will absorb a small proportion of production from a handful of neighbouring service centres (SCs). Additionally, Alliance Healthcare UK proposes to close both Hinckley and Nottingham SCs in 2026 and transition slow moving medical lines from South Normanton SC to the CLC.

Representing a significant investment by parent company Cencora, the CLC location is driven by Alliance Healthcare UK’s current service centre estate, proximity to national driving routes and the anticipated needs of the company’s future customer base.

For more information about this announcement, please email pressoffice@alliance-healthcare.co.uk.

Alcura site welcomes Labour MP, Mike Reader

On Monday, our homecare business - Alcura were delighted to welcome Labour MP for Northampton South Mike Reader to our bustling Alcura site, home to over 200 team members. Mike met with Sam Unsworth, Head of Communications, and Catherine van Vliet, Head of Alcura, to discuss Alcura’s personalised services and the impact they have in the local community and nationwide.

Discussion focussed on the work of the Alcura pharmacy, the unique nursing home care service and the difference Alcura makes in helping Government's plans to move services from ‘hospital to community’.  Mike was introduced to Kara Richards, Head of Nursing, Alcura, who was able to share insights about the vital care that home nursing provides.
 

After the meeting Mike was led on a tour of the Alcura pharmacy by Site Manager Ellie Taylor where he was able to see pharmacy team members in action, the homecare nursing unit and visit the Alcura warehouse. With thanks to Ellie and Kara for joining the tour and special thanks to Mike for coming, we look forward to continuing our work with you.

Coatbridge Service Centre welcomes Frank Mcnally, MP

On Friday 17 January we welcomed Frank McNally, MP  for Coatbridge & Bellshill to the Coatbridge Service Centre to meet the team. Our Managing Director Marie Evans and Scott Balfour, Coatbridge Service Centre Manager showed how our 350+ team members at Scotland support the NHS and community pharmacy. As part of the warehouse tour Frank saw colleagues work together to fulfil customer orders and create healthier futures. 

Marie Evans, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare UK said: “It was great to meet Frank and we are very grateful for his time to visit the Coatbridge team and hear more about our business. The scale of the operation at Coatbridge is so impressive and the team continue to deliver a terrific service for the patient and demonstrate how we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures.”

Reflecting on the Vantasy Football Tournament

Alliance Healthcare Drivers take part in the inaugural Vantasy Football Tournament — a five-a-side event aimed at uniting van drivers and addressing mental health concerns.

Last year, Alliance Healthcare partnered with Mercedes-Benz Vans and ex-Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara at the Vantasy Football tournament—a five-a-side event aimed at uniting van drivers and addressing mental health concerns.

The Summer tournament provided an essential platform for van drivers, who often face isolation on the road, to get together for a day of sport and offer them the opportunity to speak with other drivers who may have faced the same struggles. The Under the Bonnet report revealed that van drivers can spend up to 25 hours a week alone, with many engaging in only a handful of conversations daily. This event highlighted the urgent need for connection among these drivers.

Prior to the tournament, a team of Alliance Healthcare delivery drivers participated in a coaching session with Chris Kamara, fostering both football skills and open discussions about mental health. The tournament itself was filled with laughter and camaraderie, showcasing the role of sports in building community and supporting wellbeing.

Paul Graham, Senior Driver Team Manager, Alliance Healthcare UK, said: “Coming to an event like this gives us a chance to wind down, to get to know each other a bit more [so} we can open up. Over dinner we were talking about our mental health struggles with each other - the event has been really positive”

Check out the below video capturing the all the highlights and excitement from the tournament, which serves as a reminder that no one has to face their challenges alone. 👇

Paula Sutherland Appointed Sales Director at Alliance Healthcare UK

Alliance Healthcare UK is pleased to announce that Paula Sutherland has been appointed to the position of Sales Director. Paula will lead sales teams in delivering products and services to community pharmacies. Her leadership will ensure that Alliance Healthcare offerings align with the unique needs of these pharmacies and, ultimately, the patients they serve.

Paula will lead Alliance Healthcare’s UK sales teams, ensuring that the business’ product offerings align with the unique needs of these pharmacies and, ultimately, the patients they serve.

Paula has been a key figure at Alliance Healthcare since 2012, holding leadership roles that have focused on building strong relationships with community pharmacies, manufacturer partners, and hospital services.

Paula's extensive experience will be instrumental in further strengthening Alliance Healthcare’s partnerships with community pharmacies, which often serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice and treatment. By leveraging her insights and relationships, she will ensure that our products and services not only meet the demands of the market but also empower pharmacies to thrive as essential health resources in their communities.

Before joining Alliance Healthcare, Paula gained valuable experience in commercial roles within the fast-moving consumer goods sector, at companies such as Perrigo UK and global supply-chain logistics company CHEP.

Paula Sutherland, Sales Director, said: “I am delighted to step into this position at such an exciting time for Alliance Healthcare, and at such a pivotal moment for the sector. Pharmacists play a vital role in local communities up and down the country yet face some of the most challenging circumstances, and I look forward to working closely with our expert field team to listen and enhance our proposition for our pharmacy customers. By ensuring that community pharmacies are well-supported, we can create healthier communities and enhance the quality of care for all patients.”

Marie Evans, Managing Director at Alliance Healthcare said: “Paula has been an invaluable part of the Alliance Healthcare team, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication in every role she has undertaken. Pharmacy relationships are an integral part of our business, and Paula’s deep understanding of the pharmacy landscape and ability to foster strong partnerships makes her the ideal person to lead our teams going forwards.”

Sir Ed Davey visits Chessington Service Centre

On Thursday November 14 we were delighted to host Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey MP at our Chessington site.

Our Client Services Director Owen Cooper and Head of Communications Sam Unsworth joined by HDA Executive Director Martin Sawer led Sir Ed on a tour of our service centre, where he met a number of our hard-working team members and was able to watch the team in action.

Sir Ed also joined us for a meeting after the tour, where we discussed the work that we do, as well as some of the challenges facing the sector. With thanks to the HDA for joining and to Sir Ed for coming, we look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Happy Diwali from all at Alliance Healthcare UK

As we celebrate Diwali, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, Marie Evans, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare UK joins healthcare leaders in sharing their Diwali messages for Pharmacy Business magazine.

Read the piece here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ez9HPj8d (pages 38-39)

”Diwali carries a message that resonates deeply this year. It serves as a reminder of the rich diversity that strengthens our communities and the importance of coming together to celebrate each other's traditions and cultures.”

For all those who celebrate, may this Diwali bring you and your loved one’s joy, success, and good health 🪔✨

Alliance Healthcare UK Raises Over £30,000 for Charity at Sports & Family Fun Day

Alliance Healthcare UK has raised over £30,000 for Mental Health UK, Theodora Children’s Charity and 4 Louis charity following its annual charity Sports Championship & Family Fun Day event.

Over 200 colleagues, friends and family members joined the event located in Manchester and Wimbledon, to compete in various football tournaments and a special charity netball match versus Theodora Children’s Charity team.

Sam Unsworth, Head of Communications said: “This event is now in its eleventh year, and I am delighted to see it continue to grow as our biggest team activity. Better yet – we have raised an incredible amount for our chosen charities because of the generous sponsorship and dedication of the teams who joined us on a Sunday to give back to our community.”

Ellen Blessington, Senior Community and Communications Fundraiser, Theodora Children’s Charity adds: “We’re delighted to once again be a part of this amazing event and to take part in the netball competition. Alliance Healthcare has helped our Giggle Doctors reach thousands of children in hospital and bring joy and laughter when its needed most. We are so incredibly thankful for their support.”

Earlier this year, 30 Alliance Healthcare team members completed a cycle, paddle and hike competition in aid of Action Medical Research at the Race the Sun Jurassic Coast Challenge 2024, to raise £10,000 for the charity. Over the year team members have also organised bake sales, raffles, BBQs and competed in the London Marathon to raise a total of over £50,000 for charity during 2024
 

Watch the video of the Sports Championship & Family Day below:

Celebrating World Pharmacists Day

Today we recognise pharmacists like Alphega Pharmacy member Ash Jamnadass for their expert healthcare support to patients.

Marie Evans, Managing Director of Alliance Healthcare UK, said: “World Pharmacist Day is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and passion of pharmacists, who play a vital role in transforming healthcare and supporting communities around the world. Whether it’s providing expert advice, ensuring the safe use of medicines, or delivering compassionate care, pharmacists embody the very best of our profession. At Alliance Healthcare, we are committed to honouring the difference they make every day, and celebrating the incredible work they do to improve lives and promote healthier communities”