9 November 2017

‘Convenience shopping’ has come to SaTH – with staff and patients now able to collect parcels they have ordered online.

The Trust has partnered with online retailer Amazon for the scheme which has seen Amazon Lockers installed in the catering departments at the Trust’s hospitals in Telford and Shrewsbury.

Charlotte Banks tests out the new Amazon Locker at the RSH

The bright yellow self-service kiosks mean staff and patients can collect or return their items ordered online at both the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) at a time that’s convenient for them – so no more missed deliveries.

When placing an online order, shoppers will be able to select either of the hospitals in the address list as their collection point. Once a parcel is delivered to the Amazon Locker, an e-mail notification is then sent with a unique pickup code, along with the address and opening times. All they have to do when they arrive to retrieve their parcel is simply enter a pick up code or scan the barcode, and follow the instructions on screen.

The idea to host the Amazon Lockers, which can also be found in some Metro stations and supermarkets around the UK, came from a member of staff who heard about them whilst attending a conference at another hospital which was using them. Both lockers have been installed at no cost to the Trust.

‘Convenience shopping’

Ian Morris-Jones, Logistics Manager at SaTH, said: “The first locker was installed at the PRH last week and is now operational, with the locker at the RSH up and running this week. They are for staff, and patients who might be coming into or already in the hospital – and who would benefit from the convenience. We have already had lots of positive feedback from staff and we are expecting them to be an absolute smash hit.”

Simon Wright, Chief Executive of SaTH, said: “We always like to support opportunities that benefit both our staff and our patients, and this is such a great idea. It is a helpful way for them to conveniently collect their online orders when they are at the RSH or the PRH – and just in time for Christmas too!”