Transforming Hospital Dining with Foodies Scan & Go at Ziekenhuis Geel in Belgium

Ziekenhuis Geel, a leading hospital in Belgium, with 300 beds and serving an average of 148,500 consultations annually, faced significant challenges with its traditional cafeteria setup. Limited operating hours, high staffing costs, and a conventional menu were hindering the dining experience for patients, visitors, and staff alike. In response to these challenges, Ziekenhuis Geel sought a modern, efficient solution to enhance dining services within its premises.

Ziekenhuis Geel's traditional cafeteria operated with restricted hours, limiting access to food and beverages for patients, visitors, and staff. The staffing costs associated with maintaining the cafeteria were high, and the menu offerings were conventional, lacking variety and innovation.

To address the limitations of the traditional cafeteria, Ziekenhuis Geel implemented the Foodies Scan & Go solution—a 24/7 open, unmanned dining concept that offers convenience, speed, and a wide selection of food and beverages. The system allows everyone to scan items, pay, and enjoy their meals without the need for manned checkout counters quickly and easily.

Within four months of the cafeteria's opening, the demand for coffee was so high that Ziekenhuis Geel had to double its capacity to avoid queues. Within the first month of operation, the Foodies Scan & Go system recorded an average of over 200 purchases on weekdays, with an additional 160 purchases of Starbucks coffee from the "We Proudly Serve Starbucks" coffee corners. The most popular items sold in the Shop & Go section are soft drinks, chocolates, and water.

The introduction of the Foodies Scan & Go solution revolutionized the dining experience at Ziekenhuis Geel. Patients, visitors, and staff appreciated the extended operating hours, allowing them to access food and beverages 24/7—an impossibility with the old cafeteria setup. Jan Flament, CEO of Ziekenhuis Geel, emphasized that the hospital lobby had transformed into a multifunctional space where people could grab a quick bite, relax after appointments, or catch up on work while waiting for loved ones.

The successful implementation of the Foodies Scan & Go solution at Ziekenhuis Geel has not only improved access to dining options but also transformed the hospital lobby into a welcoming and versatile space. By embracing innovation and modernizing its dining services, Ziekenhuis Geel has enhanced the overall experience for patients, visitors, and staff, setting a new standard for hospital dining in Belgium.