Extra uses for parcel lockers in healthcare settings

Regular readers of the blog will be familiar with how automated parcel lockers can be implemented to streamline and improve processes around handling incoming – and even outgoing – mail items, primarily packages and parcels. Yet the technology is far from restricted to just handling mail. Given the ongoing situation we can expect the reduced-contact and secure nature of exchanging items with lockers to enable many more processes around most workplaces and other organisations, with clear advantages in the healthcare environment.

As many of us get used to new routines, we can all expect a range of changes to workplaces in order to comply with social distancing measures. Some will be small and easily implemented – like provision and use of hand sanitiser and masks. Others will be more fundamental and take time to weave into daily process streams – things like how many people are allowed to be in certain spaces at once and how physical items are handled and otherwise treated.

Automated parcel lockers have already been enabling organisations to reduce the stresses and strains caused by having to handle increasing volumes of packages and parcels arriving by mail or courier, but given that they can in fact be used for storing and exchanging anything that will fit within the locker compartments, we can expect to see them used to fulfil a whole host of other working processes in the coming months.

This is not least because using a locker requires no physical contact – or even close proximity – to exchange physical items, and to do so securely.

It will be no surprise to see NHS Trusts and other healthcare organisations to take the lead where it comes to innovating new and clever ways to facilitate the exchange of items without people coming into unnecessary contact.

Anything from patient test collection points and click & collect dispensaries to asset transfer including medical records and other sensitive documents. The secure physical nature of lockers can act as an enabler for secure transfer of any sensitive documents that need to be protected under GDPR or other data protection considerations.

For more information about intelligent parcel lockers in the workplace, you can download our free white paper here.