Public Sector
Ami Froment, Nurse at Southampton General Hospital, with the new vending machine.
Published: October 16, 2023 | Updated: 15th November 2023
It’s a bit of a mouthful, but a ‘game changer’ for Hampshire patients and their families.
Southampton General Hospital has teamed up with UK energy firm Lifesaver Power to deploy the nation’s first sustainable phone charger vending machine.
Users can buy or rent a pre-charged battery power bank for any smartphone which can be recharged either at home or back at the machine, without wasting valuable hospital resources.
The new addition has been championed by Matthew Hine, Commercial Development and Enterprise Manager at University Hospitals Southampton (UHS), as a lifeline for the many people who end up in hospital unexpectedly with no time to pack for a long stay.
“UHS is proud to be the first trust to introduce Lifesaver Power into its hospital”, he said.
“The ability to keep connections constant with family, friends and work whilst they are with us is critical.
“People don’t need the extra stress of worrying if their mobile device is going to run out of charge.
“For the vast majority of us now, the world revolves around our phones – and instant access to information and communication is vital for hospital visitors, patients and staff.
“So we’re delighted to be the first in the country to provide the very latest in phone battery pack vending technology.”
While the vending machine itself breaks new ground for Lifesaver, the firm supplied almost 1,500 of its pre-charged power banks to NHS staff and frontline workers during the pandemic using 100 per cent renewable energy.
They’ve also been popping up at music festivals and sporting events – capitalising on the high demand and limited availability of charging ports.
Lifesaver CEO Archie Wilkinson added: “We’re thrilled to supply Southampton Hospital with our sustainable phone charger machines.
“Our mission has always been to provide practical solutions that benefit both individuals and the environment.
“We supported over 19 hospitals during Covid, but having a machine permanently in the reception means people can stay connected 24/7 with their loved ones.
“It’s going to be a game changer for those visiting and operating at the hospital.”
