ChargeBox NHS Case Study – The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust
NHS Hospital Phone Charging Service Case Study
The Royal London Hospital, Emergency Care
A ChargeBox NHS Case Study
The Challenge:
The Royal London Emergency Department staff experienced constant demand for phone charging. Patients consistently asked 'Can I charge my phone at the hospital?'
Patients ask for phone charging at least x5 times in a 12-hour shift.*
No mobile phone charging stations caused more patient anxiety, staff abuse, and people leaving the hospital because of low battery.
The Royal London Hospital surveyed its Emergency Department staff to understand the need for phone charging stations for patients and visitors.
83% of staff have suffered rude or aggressive behaviour because patients could not charge their phones.
88% of staff have had a patient self-discharge citing low phone battery as the reason.
*Internal staff survey involving staff from ED.
83% of staff have suffered rude or aggressive behaviour because patients could not charge their phones.
88% of staff have had a patient self-discharge citing low phone battery as the reason.
The Solution:
The Royal London Hospital needed free and accessible phone charging stations, similar to the health service, free for everyone to use. The hospital assists a disadvantaged area. It is unfair to require patients to pay for a necessary service, especially when they endure long wait times. Battery life drains and patients need to stay connected.
Sister Theresa Graser was instrumental in bringing the ChargeBox service to Barts Health NHS Trust. She committed much personal time to researching different solutions, establishing the need and business case, and securing the funding. Her enthusiasm, passion, and unwavering commitment to improving the patient experience made this initiative possible. Without her dedication, the implementation of this vital service would not have been achieved.
Listen to Sister Theresa talk about what is important for a charging service and why a power bank solution was unsuitable
Having genuine Fast Charging (USB PD) was also critical so patients could charge their devices quickly.
The hospital picked a ChargeBox FAST6 after a thorough review of charging services. Bart's Charity funded the station and is using the service as a valuable in-hospital marketing opportunity. The screen has Bart's Charity video content and a QR code in Bart's charity colours. It aims to encourage donations from people who have benefited from the service.
Organisational Impact:
ChargeBox is making a massive impact on the patient experience:
Staff Feedback:
‘Thank you so much. An essential piece of kit to keep patients and families in contact and satisfied.’
''Before the mobile charging station, patients and visitors would always have a hard time in ED looking for a charger. With the charging station, it's easier and more user-friendly. Patients are happy about it too! Definitely a lifesaver!’
‘They are great; we need more!’
ChargeBox has significantly reduced the pressure on ED staff:
