20 Strange Things Found in Hospital Vending Machines

Strangest Items Found in Hospital Vending Machines

Hospital vending machines are typically associated with quick snacks and drinks that provide a moment of respite for healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. You might expect to find chips, sodas, or even sandwiches. However, hospital vending machines worldwide have evolved into something much more eclectic. From medical devices to items you wouldn't dream of finding in a vending machine, let's take a dive into the 20 strangest things found in these hospital contraptions.

1. Prescription Medications

Yes, it’s true—some hospital vending machines now dispense prescription medications. In places like the U.S. and Japan, vending machines stocked with common medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and even antibiotics have popped up, making it easier for patients to get a quick fix without a trip to the pharmacy. These machines have strict verification protocols, requiring a valid prescription or patient ID.

2. Surgical Masks

Surgical masks became a vending machine staple, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vending machines at hospitals in countries such as Japan, Singapore, and even some parts of the U.S. began dispensing packs of masks to cater to the urgent demand from healthcare workers and visitors alike.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In addition to masks, full PPE kits, including gloves, face shields, and gowns, have found their way into vending machines in hospitals, particularly in response to global health crises. These vending machines provided healthcare workers with quick access to protective gear, cutting down on the need to wait in supply lines during crucial times.

4. Breastfeeding Supplies

Hospital vending machines catering to nursing mothers have been seen dispensing breast pumps, nursing pads, and even formula. This innovation helps new mothers in maternity wards quickly access necessary supplies without waiting for hospital staff. In particular, hospitals in the U.S. and parts of Europe have pioneered these maternal vending stations.

5. Umbrellas

You might not expect to find an umbrella in a hospital vending machine, but in areas with unpredictable weather, such as the U.K. and Japan, vending machines have been known to offer them. Visitors and healthcare workers caught in a rainstorm can quickly grab one on their way out of the hospital.

6. Underwear

In Japan, where vending machines are an established part of culture, you can find almost anything, including underwear, in hospital vending machines. These machines often cater to patients who might have forgotten a crucial item for their stay or need fresh garments during a longer hospital stay.

7. Medical Scrubs

In hospitals where staff are often on-call or need to quickly change into clean clothes, vending machines dispensing scrubs have become a time-saving addition. Healthcare workers who spill something on their clothes or require a quick change can easily grab new scrubs from a vending machine in seconds.

8. Phone Chargers

Vending machines in hospitals have become saviors for those who have forgotten their phone chargers. Whether you’re a visitor who needs to stay in touch with family or a healthcare worker on a long shift, these vending machines provide everything from USB cables to full charging kits.

9. Defibrillators

In some parts of Europe and the U.S., hospital vending machines have been stocked with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These machines provide life-saving equipment to hospital staff and even the public in critical situations where seconds count. It ensures that defibrillators are available at easily accessible locations.

10. Bicycles

Strangely enough, some hospital vending machines in the Netherlands have been stocked with foldable bicycles! These machines cater to healthcare workers and visitors who might need a quick form of transportation within the hospital's large campus or to nearby locations. It’s an environmentally friendly and health-conscious alternative.

11. Crutches and Walking Aids

In a few hospitals in the U.S., vending machines dispense crutches, walkers, and canes. It’s not only a time-saver but an incredible convenience for patients who might be discharged late at night or require immediate support without needing to wait for a trip to the medical supply store.

12. Fresh Fruits and Salads

While snacks and sodas dominate vending machines, some hospitals have taken a healthier approach by offering fresh fruits, salads, and healthy meal options. Hospitals in countries like Denmark and the U.S. have introduced these vending machines to encourage better dietary choices, both for healthcare workers and patients.

13. Wheelchairs

In some hospitals in Japan, wheelchairs can be rented or borrowed from vending machines. These vending machines make it easy for elderly or disabled patients and visitors to access mobility aids quickly. This innovation saves time and provides comfort, especially for those who may not have anticipated needing a wheelchair.

14. Blood Pressure Monitors

In a push to encourage preventative care, some hospital vending machines offer home-use medical equipment like blood pressure monitors. Patients leaving the hospital can pick up a monitor, enabling them to keep track of their health post-discharge without needing a separate pharmacy trip.

15. First-Aid Kits

First-aid kits stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze can be purchased from hospital vending machines in several European countries. These machines allow visitors, patients, or staff to access basic medical supplies without waiting for formal care.

16. Hand Warmers

In colder climates like Canada and the northern U.S., hospital vending machines often stock hand warmers. These are especially useful during harsh winters, allowing visitors and staff to stay warm on their journey to and from the hospital.

17. IV Fluids

In some hospitals, particularly in emergency rooms, vending machines that dispense IV fluids and other basic medical supplies have been introduced. This ensures rapid access to crucial supplies in times of need, especially for smaller hospitals or during particularly busy shifts.

18. Flowers

Hospitals are emotional places, and vending machines stocked with flowers allow visitors to buy a last-minute gift for patients. These machines are often found in larger hospitals in the U.S. and U.K. and are a convenient way to spread a little joy without needing to locate a gift shop.

19. Books and Magazines

For those long waiting room hours, some hospitals have vending machines that dispense books and magazines. From health-related topics to light reading, these machines provide a much-needed distraction for patients and visitors alike. This trend has been particularly popular in large hospitals across Europe.

20. Coffins

Yes, believe it or not, in some places, hospital vending machines stock small coffins! This shocking item was spotted in a few hospitals in Taiwan, catering to those with cultural traditions of providing small coffins as offerings or symbols. It’s a unique and, admittedly, very strange find in hospital vending machines.

The Role of Technology in Expanding Vending Machine Use in Hospitals

Advances in vending machine technology have been key in enabling these unusual items to be dispensed in hospitals. Today’s vending machines are smart—incorporating AI and internet connectivity to track inventory, monitor usage, and ensure freshness. For example, vending machines that stock medications and medical equipment use advanced verification systems, including RFID tags and biometric scanning, to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the items. These innovations have transformed hospital vending machines into something far more than just a source of quick snacks.

Why Vending Machines Are Becoming More Common in Hospitals

The appeal of vending machines in hospitals is simple: convenience. For hospital staff, patients, and visitors, vending machines offer an accessible solution that doesn’t require standing in line or dealing with store hours. With hospitals being 24/7 institutions, vending machines fit seamlessly into the environment. They offer a self-service option that reduces strain on hospital staff while ensuring that essential items are always within reach.