The UK’s Open Skies Network and Cornwall Partnership National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust have announced an agreement for the adoption of an NHS medical drone delivery service in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, in the southwest of the UK.
“Starting in 2025, this multi-year partnership will support the adoption of cargo drones. Initially, this will include delivery of things like pathology samples and medical supplies across the region. In the future, we will be exploring the potential to use piloted electric aircraft for medical transport,” said the organisations in a press release.
Gareth Whatmore, CEO at Open Skies Network, said: “From drone deliveries of testing kits and PPE during Covid, to the first long-haul and intra-island medical drone operations, our previous work in Cornwall has led UK capability for the NHS when it comes to drone-enabled healthcare logistics. This agreement – the first of its kind in the NHS – will see Open Skies Network and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust working together to adopt a model for drone-enabled, digitally integrated health and care logistics. This supports delivery of the 10-year Health Plan to move care out of hospitals into communities and make better use of technology to help healthcare teams focus on preventing sickness, not just treating it.”
Geographic isolation and weather dependency present unique challenges when it comes to delivering equitable access to healthcare across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The agreement will see Open Skies Network formalise take-off and landing locations and infrastructure for active medical drone use. It will also pave the way for future adoption of piloted electric aircraft, creating a blueprint for a future-ready health and care system that can be replicated across urban, rural and island communities around the world, say the partner organisaitons.
Debbie Richards, Chief Executive at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “With 30 miles of water between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland, our region’s geography dictates that we do things differently. Our work with Open Skies Network is all about adopting new technology and helping the NHS to realise the benefits of drone technology and digital integration to deliver improved patient care and responsiveness. Whether it is same-day prescriptions and medical sample deliveries or supporting clinical teams to provide care closer to patients’ homes, reducing healthcare-related travel, our goal is to ensure timely access to care and resources, regardless of geography.”
For more information
https://openskiesnetwork.com/
(Image: Helipad at Treliske Hospital, Truro in Cornwall)
