FAQS
Pillroll is a new way of managing medicines safely and easily. Using automated technology Pillroll packs your medication into easy to use and clearly labelled tear off sachets. Each sachet contains the right medication and is marked with the correct date and time ensuring you take your medicines correctly all the time.
In addition to preparing medicines into clearly labelled sachets, PillRoll includes a range of medication management services, which may include repeat prescription ordering, prescription collection, prescription reconciliation, synchronisation of repeat medicines, management of medication changes and ongoing support from our pharmacy team.
PillRoll is ideal for:
• Anyone taking multiple medicines each day.
• Older adults looking for a simpler way to manage their medication.
• Family members supporting a loved one.
• People with busy lifestyles who value convenience.
• Patients looking for a more organised way to manage their medicines.
• Carers and care providers looking for an easier medication management solution.
Our pharmacists will discuss your individual medication management needs and recommend the most appropriate solution for you. PillRoll is one of a number of medication management options available and forms part of our enhanced private service.
We offer three simple subscription options:
• Pre-Paid Delivery Service Only – £12 per month
• PillRoll Collection – £15 per month
• PillRoll with Home Delivery – £25 per month
Your NHS prescriptions remain free if you normally qualify for free prescriptions. Your subscription covers the preparation, organisation and management of your medication, not the medication itself.
No. PillRoll subscriptions are charged per patient.
If more than one person in your household receives a PillRoll service or medication deliveries, each person will require their own individual subscription.
If you choose our delivery option, your medication will be delivered directly to your home by our trained delivery team.
We currently deliver throughout:
• Belfast
• North Down
• South Antrim
Most tablets and capsules can be safely included in your PillRoll sachets.
Some medicines cannot be repackaged, including:
• Liquids
• Creams and ointments
• Inhalers
• Eye drops
• Certain specialist medicines
• Medicines that are sensitive to moisture or light
These medicines will still be supplied alongside your PillRoll in their original packaging with clear instructions.
Before you begin using PillRoll, our team will review all of your medication and explain exactly what will and will not be included.
No.
As part of your PillRoll service, we will automatically reorder your regular repeat medications on your behalf to ensure they are ready for each PillRoll cycle.
However, medicines that are taken only when required (PRN medicines) or items that are not issued as regular repeat medication are not automatically reordered.
These medicines are used at different rates by each patient and often require review by your GP surgery before another prescription is issued.
Examples include:
• Pain relief taken when required
• "As required" inhalers
• Creams and ointments
• Eye drops
• Laxatives
• Other medicines prescribed for occasional use
When you are running low on these medicines, you should request them directly from your GP surgery in the usual way. Once your GP has issued the prescription, McKay Pharmacy will dispense the medication for you.
If you are unsure whether a medicine is automatically reordered as part of your PillRoll service, please contact your local McKay Pharmacy branch.
Medication changes happen regularly and we're here to help.
If your GP, hospital or another healthcare professional changes your medication, please let the PillRoll team know as soon as possible.
Our team will review the change and advise you on the most appropriate way to manage it.
Where a new prescription has been issued, it may be necessary to supply any new or amended medication separately until your next PillRoll cycle. Your updated medication regimen will then be
incorporated into your next scheduled PillRoll.
If you are unsure what to do following a medication change, please contact your local McKay Pharmacy branch for advice.
Getting started is simple.
Our team will:
• Review your current medication and discuss the most appropriate medication management solution for your individual needs.
• Liaise with your GP where required.
• Arrange for your prescriptions to be transferred to McKay Pharmacy.
• Agree a suitable start date for your PillRoll service.
• Prepare your first PillRoll.
• Explain exactly how to use it.
To begin your PillRoll service, we will usually require a full, up-to-date set of prescriptions for all of your regular medication. In most cases, this means ordering a fresh set of repeat prescriptions from your GP surgery before your first PillRoll can be prepared.
We'll guide you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way to ensure your transition to PillRoll is as smooth as possible.
If you experience difficulty managing your medicines because of a disability, medical condition or your individual circumstances, please speak to our pharmacy team. Our pharmacists can discuss the support available and recommend the most appropriate medication management options for your needs.
Yes.
Every PillRoll is prepared using advanced automated dispensing technology and undergoes multiple accuracy checks by trained pharmacy professionals before reaching you.
Each sachet is clearly labelled with:
• Your name
• Date
• Time of administration
• The medicines contained within that sachet
This helps reduce medication errors and improves medication adherence.
In addition to preparing medicines into clearly labelled sachets, PillRoll includes a range of medication management services, which may include repeat prescription ordering, prescription collection, prescription reconciliation, synchronisation of repeat medicines, management of medication changes and ongoing support from our pharmacy team.
Absolutely.
Many of our customers have a family member, friend or professional carer helping them with their medicines.
With your permission, we can work directly with your nominated representative to help manage your medication safely.
Yes.
To provide the PillRoll service, McKay Pharmacy must be your nominated pharmacy with your GP surgery.
If you are not already nominated, our team will be happy to help arrange this.
PillRoll is available to patients whose GP surgeries fall within our current service area.
You can check whether your surgery is covered by visiting: www.pillroll.com/surgeries
PillRoll subscriptions are managed through our secure online payment system.
This links directly to your patient record, allowing us to manage your subscription and medication safely and efficiently.
We do not offer alternative payment methods for the PillRoll subscription.
If you are unable to complete the online payment yourself, a family member or trusted representative can set up the subscription on your behalf using their payment card. Once the subscription
has been established, there is very little further involvement required unless you wish to make changes.
If you would like assistance setting up your subscription, simply visit your local McKay Pharmacy branch with your payment card and a member of our team will be happy to help you complete the online registration.
Yes.
Your payment confirmation will be sent by our secure payment partner, Revolut.
Once your subscription has been received, it is automatically linked to your patient record at your chosen McKay Pharmacy branch and your PillRoll service will continue until you ask us to amend or cancel it.
You can manage your subscription at any time.
Simply open your Revolut payment confirmation email and select Manage Subscription, where you can:
• Update your payment details.
• Change your subscription.
• Cancel your subscription.
If you cannot find the email or need assistance, our pharmacy team will be happy to help.
You are always welcome to return to PillRoll.
However, because each patient requires an onboarding process and demand for the service can be high, there may be a short waiting period before your PillRoll service can restart.
During this time, we will continue to dispense your medication through our normal pharmacy service until your PillRoll is ready.
If you know you will not be available, please let us know as soon as possible.
A redelivery charge may apply if delivery cannot be completed.
Alternatively, your medication can be collected from your nominated McKay Pharmacy branch. A representative may also collect your medication on your behalf, provided you have informed us who they are in advance.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you are admitted to hospital.
We'll pause or adjust your medication as appropriate and help restart your PillRoll following your discharge.
If your hospital admission lasts longer than one month, you may apply by email for a one-month subscription refund once you have been discharged.
Yes.
Many customers choose to collect their PillRoll from their local McKay Pharmacy branch.
If your circumstances change, you can switch to one of our delivery subscription options.
Each sachet is clearly printed with the exact day and time your medication should be taken, making it easy to stay on track throughout the day.
Many customers also choose to use phone alarms or smart device reminders alongside PillRoll.
If you have registered your mobile telephone number with us, you will receive an SMS text message when your medication is ready for collection or delivery.
If you have not registered your mobile number or need to update your contact details, please contact your local McKay Pharmacy branch.
McKay Pharmacy is committed to helping patients manage their medicines safely and effectively. Our pharmacists will assess individual needs and advise on the most appropriate medication management options, including any reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
For subscription enquiries, including setting up a manual subscription or questions about your online subscription, please email:
admin@mckaypharmacy.com
For all other enquiries, including medication changes, delivery queries, GP nominations or general PillRoll advice, please contact your local McKay Pharmacy branch:
• Westminster Avenue, Belfast – 028 9065 9900
• 12th Milestone, Templepatrick – 028 9443 2840
• Regent Street, Newtownards – 028 9181 3089
Our team will be happy to assist you.