How CHU UCL Namur reinvented its internal communication

Mar 04, 2025

people
healthcare
Microsoft

By embracing innovation and technology, CHU UCL Namur – formed from the merger of three hospitals – successfully streamlined its internal communication. With delaware’s support, CHU UCL Namur aligned its digital infrastructure with the needs of its 5,000 employees, providing an effective communication tool accessible from its three sites. (7 minute read)

Challenge

Combining three intranets and various technologies while reducing cyber risks with an integrated mobile, secure, and cost-effective solution.

Solutions

Creation of an intranet (Connect by delaware) and an internal social network (Microsoft Viva Engage), simplifying communication among 5,000 professionals.

Results

A robust and efficient internal communication platform, allowing employees to share updates and crucial information in real-time, while having access to centralized and easily accessible resources.

Challenge

After merging the Dinant, Godinne, and Sainte-Elisabeth hospitals, CHU UCL Namur faced a significant challenge. “We had three different intranets, multiple technologies, a need for cohesion, and potential security risks because of several individual initiatives for public communication.”

Reaching the goal would require a focus on the human aspect and change management, as well as clear communication. delaware met the challenge by adopting a strategic approach focused on support, integration of the solution, mobile compatibility, and compliance to the budget. “Overall, the offers were quite similar, but delaware stood out for its flexible approach to our budget, change management, and human contact. An approach to our liking,” emphasizes Sophie Marlet.

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Harmonizing internal communications across multiple sites throughout the province of Namur, including facilities for the elderly, palliative care, children, and polyclinics.
Creating a robust and secure internal communication tool for 5,000 professionals in 400 roles, some of which are less connected than others, or not at all.
Implementing such a comprehensive project requires careful planning, with a strong focus on the human aspect and change management, as well as clear and consistent communication.

Solution

"delaware enlightened us on the tools already available through our Microsoft 365 licenses," says Sophie Marlet. "Although budgets are tight in our organization, delaware's experts ensured we could have a creative and professional solution within our human and financial means."

The solution meets the need for an institutional communication tool, complemented by a collaboration tool. "We’re moving from several unprofessional, one-way tools to a transversal, multidirectional solution, This is ideal for breaking down barriers between colleagues, facilitating exchanges among the 5,000 employees across our various sites," Sophie Marlet adds.

Thanks to a thorough analysis of Microsoft 365 tools and a clear understanding of CHU UCL Namur’s needs, delaware implemented a user-friendly intranet called ‘CHU Corner’ using the Connect by delaware solution.
Additionally, we introduced an internal social network with Microsoft Viva Engage.

Thanks to our new intranet and social network, we have transformed our internal communication to offer a unique and effective solution for our 5,000 employees

Sophie Marlet, Communications Officer at CHU UCL Namur

Results

These tools have simplified communication by unifying different channels, thereby reducing information silos. Employees can now share updates, announcements, and crucial information in real-time, while having access to centralized and easily accessible resources.

With the introduction of these new tools, Sophie Marlet looks to the future with confidence. "Our goal is to have all our employees connected to this new work companion," she explains. "We continue to populate the intranet with content, and then we will identify the criteria for opening new dedicated spaces, onboarding, and training new contributors."

"Thanks to this strategic implementation, CHU UCL Namur is equipped with a platform that paves the way for a collaborative future, strengthening our teams' engagement around a shared vision of innovation and excellence."

5,000

employees throughout the three sites in the province of Namur.

3

hospitals were merged to form CHU UCL Namur, creating a unified healthcare institution.

2015

marks the year when the merger initiated this transformative journey.

CHU UCL Namur & delaware

Formed in 2015 from the merger of the Dinant, Godinne, and Sainte-Elisabeth hospitals, CHU UCL Namur offers 936 beds and excels in care, training, and research.

With a workforce of 5,000 employees in 400 different roles, the hospital has significantly enhanced its internal communication through a strategic collaboration with delaware.