HubRx make key appointments as it prepares to launch UK's first automated pharmacy

Ahead of the launch of UK’s first state-of-the-art automated hub for independent community pharmacists, HubRx has announced the appointment of Karl Wooldridge as operations director and Matthew Tollefson as chief financial officer.

Karl brings more than 14 years of sector experience to his new role with HubRx. Having begun his career as an independent community pharmacist, Karl has gone on to hold key roles within pharmacy automation, including managing Phoenix Medical Supplies’ offsite dispensing service.

Commenting on his appointment, Karl said: “I’m delighted to have joined the team. The pandemic has further highlighted the important role pharmacists can play in keeping the nation healthy, not least in the delivery of the latest vaccination programme. The focus is now on pharmacists offering more clinical services, but to be able to achieve that the dispensing burden needs to be reduced.

“HubRx is pioneering, our approach will transform community pharmacy. We’re investing in cutting-edge technology to create an automated dispensing hub that will create capacity for pharmacists, allow them to grow and expand their skills.”

Matthew joins from Leeds-based corporate finance firm, Sentio Partners having also held positions with Mazars and Ernst & Young.

Matthew adds: “Joining HubRx was an offer I could not pass up. The pedigree and health tech expertise driving the business is second to none, it’s a true example of disruption to make a positive change to the lives of pharmacists and patients.

“Groups have been able to benefit from using a hub and spoke model for years. We’re creating HubRx to level the playing field.”

HubRx will be able to free up prescription dispensary time for upwards of 200 independent community pharmacies through a unique hub and spoke model from a state-of-the-art 40,000 sq. ft. fully automated facility which will be capable of dispensing up to 12 million healthcare items per year.

Daniel Lee, HubRx CEO adds: “We’re thrilled to welcome both Karl and Matthew to the team. Karl is well known within the sector and has unrivalled expertise in pharmacy automation, which combined with his experience as an independent community pharmacist provides him with a unique perspective that will not only benefit HubRX, but also our customers.”

Founded by CEO Daniel Lee, formerly of Pharmacy2U, and Chairman Sean Riddell formerly of EMIS Group, HubRx team has more that 20 years of experience in digital healthcare and centralised automated dispensing.