A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) response from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has confirmed that £198,000 has been spent on its outpatient self-check-in kiosk and calling screen system since August 2020.
The information follows a January 2026 announcement that self-check-in kiosks would be available again across outpatient departments at Prince Charles Hospital, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda, Dewi Sant Health Park and Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
This article reports the figures and statements contained within the Health Board’s FOI responses.
Original Installation Costs (2015)
In a 2015 FOI response (Reference CTHB_272_15), the Health Board confirmed:
- 22 calling screens and 17 self-check-in kiosks were installed
- Total capital cost (including VAT): £287,340
- Ongoing maintenance and help desk support from year two onwards: £21,000 per year
The 2015 response stated that this total included associated IT and interfacing costs.
Position During COVID
In its February 2026 FOI response (Reference CTMUHB_48_26), the Health Board states that the kiosks were removed from patient-facing areas “during COVID” and were “retained in non-patient facing areas.”
The reason given for removal was “COVID.”
The same response also states:
“The system has been continually in use by receptionists and clinicians.”
No further detail is provided in the response regarding how the system operated during that period.
Hardware Status
When asked whether the kiosks being made available in 2026 were the original 2015 hardware, refurbished versions, or entirely new equipment, the Health Board replied:
“Mixture of current hardware and new.”
No breakdown of how much equipment is new or retained has been provided.
Expenditure Since August 2020
The Health Board confirmed that from August 2020 onwards, total expenditure relating to the kiosk and calling screen system is:
- Revenue: £0.103m
- Capital: £0.095m
This totals £198,000.
The FOI response does not provide a detailed breakdown of what the capital or revenue sums specifically relate to.
Re-Introduction
While a January 2026 public announcement described the kiosks as being available again in outpatient departments from 27 January onwards, the FOI response states:
“This was not a re-introduction; the system has been continually in use.”
The response does not further define the distinction between patient-facing use and other forms of operational use.
Public Record
The figures reported above are drawn directly from FOI responses issued in 2015 and February 2026.
As with all publicly funded services, the published information contributes to understanding the lifecycle costs and operational history of the outpatient self-check-in system across the Health Board area.
Anyone seeking clarification on the handling of an FOI request may request an internal review under the Health Board’s Freedom of Information procedures.
Below is the Cwm Taf FOI response 2026
Asset status
Confirmation of whether the self-check-in kiosks and calling screens being
re-introduced in 2026 are:
a) the same hardware originally procured in or around 2015,
b) refurbished or upgraded versions of the original system, Mixture
of current hardware and new
c) or entirely new hardware.
- Removal and non-use
a) The date(s) on which the original self-check-in kiosk and calling screen
system were removed or taken out of operational use. During Covid
b) The reason(s) for its removal or suspension. COVID
c) Whether the system was placed into storage, partially retained, or fully
decommissioned. Retained in non-patient facing areas - Costs incurred during non-use
a) The total cost associated with removal, storage, decommissioning,
mothballing, or contract suspension of the system. N/A.
b) Confirmation of whether any maintenance, licensing, support, or help-
desk fees continued to be paid during periods when the system was
not in operational use, and if so, the total cost and dates covered.
Retained in non-patient facing areas.
- Re-introduction costs
a) The total cost of recommissioning or re-introducing the system,
including (but not limited to) installation, software upgrades,
hardware replacement, configuration, staff training, and IT
interfacing. N/A System continued to be used throughout COIVID
and since by receptionist and clinicians.
b) The financial year(s) in which these costs were incurred. N/A.
- Contracts and suppliers
a) The name(s) of the supplier(s) involved in the original procurement,
ongoing support, and the 2026 re-introduction. This was not a re-
introduction; the system has been continually in use by receptionists
and clinicians.
b) Confirmation of whether a new contract was entered into for the re-
introduced system, and if so, the contract start date and total
contract value. – As above.
- Total expenditure
a) The total cumulative expenditure by Cwm Taf Morgannwg
University Health Board relating to the self-check-in kiosks and
calling screen system from initial procurement to the present date,
broken down by capital and revenue spend where possible The
total costs beginning in August 2020 are: Revenue £0.103m /
Capital £0.095m.
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