Working together on future-proof cleaning: robotization at DrieGasthuizenGroep
How do you ensure that healthcare cleaning remains qualitative, efficient and workable in the future? DrieGasthuizenGroep is taking concrete steps towards this goal with the deployment of cleaning robots. In cooperation with BOMA, the R3 Scrub, i-walk and Cobot 1900, among others, are being deployed to strengthen the cleaning team and respond to changing demands related to infection prevention, staffing and workload. Hospitality director Frans van Diek, procurement manager Bartel van Yperenburg and robotics operator Thomas share their experiences.
Ready for tomorrow's cleaning
Continuous improvement is at the core of DrieGasthuizenGroep. Making the responsibility towards residents and employees a starting point results in actively seeking innovative solutions. Robotization has become a logical part of this. The organization is emphatically looking at the future of the job market and the increasing pressure on healthcare teams and facilities teams. As such, robotization is not considered an experiment, but preparation for what is to come. "We just need it," says Frans. "Labor shortage is only going to get worse in the future. So you have to be prepared." Together with BOMA, we looked at which solutions fit the organization, the buildings and especially the people who have to work with them. The focus was not on the product, but on practical application.
Cleaning is changing: from fixed time to smart deployment
In addition to personnel developments, infection prevention plays an increasingly important role. Whereas fixed weekly cleaning schedules were often used in the past, reality now demands more flexible and frequent cleaning. That is why DrieGasthuizenGroep is working on new cleaning schedules that combine regular cleaning with additional disinfection rounds. At the same time, organization-wide efforts are being made to harmonize between locations. This requires smart deployment of people and resources. In collaboration with BOMA, we looked at how robotization can help organize work more efficiently without losing the human touch. Robots help free up capacity for tasks where personal attention makes all the difference.
Robotization as a strategic choice
DrieGasthuizenGroep has been experimenting with cleaning robots for several years, with a deliberate choice for a learning approach. "The first one is really testing and learning," says Frans. Armed with this exact experience, the organization entered the dialogue with BOMA. The conversations focused not only on what a robot can do, but also on what it takes to implement it successfully. "We weren't given a fairy tale story," Frans said. "We very deliberately asked about the limitations. And those were named openly." This openness created trust. Meanwhile, the R3 Scrub, i-walk and Cobot 1900 are running successfully within the cleaning team, especially in floor cleaning and larger areas where physical strain is a factor.
"Management can buy a robot, but if it is not embraced in the workplace, it will not be a success."
Ownership makes the difference
A key success factor is the role of robotics operator Thomas. As an in-house specialist, he handles programming, maintenance and optimization of the robots. BOMA supports this with training, guidance and technical support, but ownership is emphatically internal. "You have to have someone who feels responsible," says Frans. "Otherwise, this robot will not get used."
This combination of internal engagement and external expertise means the robots are not an isolated addition, but have become part of the daily cleaning process. They operate several times a week and structurally support the team.
Less physical strain, more room for valuable work
A major reason for robotization is physical strain within the cleaning profession. Robots take over heavy, repetitive tasks such as cleaning large floor areas or long hallways. In doing so, they contribute to sustainable employability of employees. At the same time, the organization learned that robotization also brings new concerns. "We saw colleagues on their knees or even on their buttocks having to clean the robot," Bartel says. "We hadn't considered that beforehand." Such insights were also discussed with BOMA. Together they looked at how processes could be made smarter and where optimizations were possible. After all, robotization not only requires technology, but also attention to ergonomics and work processes.
Partnership instead of delivery
DrieGasthuizenGroep values BOMA's role as a knowledge partner in their collaboration. Not just delivering, but engaging in the process of implementation, support and further development. Robotics is seen as a continuous process of improvement and optimization. Software updates, new insights and practical experience continue to refine the deployment. "We believe robotization is not about replacing people, but about supporting them. It helps us keep our people sustainably employable."
The cleaner of the future
Within DrieGasthuizenGroep, cleaning is increasingly seen as part of the overall well-being of residents. The DrieGasthuizenGroep has existed since 1246 and has been providing care continuously since that time. "Over the centuries we have been through a lot and robotization is another step. Although we are old, we are alive and kicking, taking history in our stride and looking fully into the future with robotization." says Frans.
Working more efficiently and reducing physical strain creates space for human contact and personal attention. The use of robots, together with BOMA's expertise, contributes to a modern, future-oriented facilities organization. Technology and humans reinforce each other. One thing is clear to DrieGasthuizenGroep: future-proof cleaning requires courage, cooperation and a willingness to keep learning. And it is in this synergy that the strength is found.