A power bank vending machine is one of the most effective and low-maintenance solutions for hospitals struggling with the constant demand for mobile charging support. This case study explores how Charge Cube technology was deployed at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) in West Yorkshire. The installation improved patient independence, reduced staff interruptions and provided uninterrupted phone access for thousands of visitors and outpatients. Through its integration with The Bridge, the hospital also gained optional engagement data that can support broader communication strategies.
Leeds General Infirmary is a major NHS teaching hospital serving a large and diverse population. The site handles emergency care, scheduled outpatient services, diagnostics, specialist children’s services and complex long-stay admissions. In this environment, mobile phones play an essential role. Patients rely on them for appointment confirmations, digital check-ins, family contact, transport arrangements and access to NHS online services. Visitors also depend on their phones for navigation around the large hospital campus.
Naturally, this leads to a constant stream of low-battery situations. Before the installation of a power bank vending machine, staff across reception desks and waiting areas frequently dealt with visitors asking for charging points or spare cables. Many were unaware that plugging devices into wall sockets is discouraged in NHS buildings due to electrical safety, equipment interference and infection-control guidelines.
The problem
Low battery levels create avoidable friction in hospitals. A patient waiting for a call from a consultant or transport home cannot afford for their phone to fail. Meanwhile, overwhelmed staff must repeatedly explain that charging sockets are unavailable, unsafe or restricted. Traditional solutions such as shared charging lockers, cable rental or unsecured USB points carry several risks. Lockers require returns and PIN management, introduce hygiene concerns and can lead to disputes over lost devices. Shared cables are difficult to sanitise and may breach equipment standards.
Guidance published at https://www.england.nhs.uk highlights safety considerations around electrical equipment in clinical environments. Leeds General Infirmary wanted a solution that met safety standards, removed dependency on staff and supported patient autonomy throughout their visit. A product that required no returns, no supervision and no risk of equipment interference was essential.
What we installed: Charge Cube power bank vending machine
A Charge Cube power bank vending machine was installed permanently in the Jubilee Wing entrance area, one of the hospital’s busiest access points. A second machine was later added near outpatient reception due to high demand.
The Charge Cube is a sealed, ready-to-use portable power bank that patients or visitors purchase outright. Unlike locker-based or rental systems, there is no return stage, no liability and no need for staff to intervene. Customers simply make a contactless payment, collect the power bank and use it throughout their hospital stay — and after, since the device is theirs to keep.
The vending machine provides clear on-screen instructions, fast dispensing and a clean, hygienic transaction process without shared cables or surfaces. Because the device is customer-owned, issues around hygiene, damage, contamination and equipment safety are eliminated.
All transactions are logged through The Bridge. Customers who choose to receive a digital receipt provide a mobile number, which becomes part of an engagement database the hospital may utilise for future communication initiatives. While hospitals maintain formal communication channels, this optional data capture offers additional flexibility for public-facing campaigns, visiting guidelines or outpatient reminders.
The results: improved patient experience and fewer interruptions for staff
Since installing the power bank vending machine, staff at Leeds General Infirmary report a sharp reduction in requests for charging support. Reception desks, information points and ward staff no longer need to explain socket restrictions or manage spare equipment. The machines operate independently 24/7, supporting patients during long waits, overnight stays and emergency visits.
Patients benefit from immediate access to a reliable charging solution that they control. Whether waiting for test results, navigating the hospital via a digital map or coordinating transport home, they can keep their devices powered without relying on staff.
Data from The Bridge indicates consistent usage across weekdays and weekends, with peaks occurring during visiting hours and outpatient clinic times. The power bank vending machine offers continuous availability even when staffing levels fluctuate, providing a stable and trusted resource for patients and visitors.
Because Charge Cube devices are kept by the customer, the hospital faces zero risk of lost items, contamination concerns or equipment disputes. The system requires no locker management, no tracking and minimal restocking — one of the biggest advantages over traditional charging solutions.
Safety guidance available at https://www.england.nhs.uk reinforces the importance of minimising trailing cables, shared charging points and unsecured electrical equipment in patient areas. The Charge Cube model aligns with these safety priorities, offering a compliant, hygienic and independent alternative.
Overall, the power bank vending machine has delivered measurable improvements for Leeds General Infirmary. It enhances patient independence, reduces operational burden and supports a safer, more efficient environment for everyone using the hospital.
