The next phase of the plan is to transport patients using electric planes
Drones trialled in Cornwall are being used to deliver medical aid to remote communities on the Isles of Wight(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
A medications delivery service by drone has been unveiled in Cornwall.
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs community hospitals all over Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has teamed up with Open Skies Network to start a pioneering NHS medical drone delivery service in the county.
At first the new service will use cargo drones to deliver pathology samples and medical supplies across the region. Open Skies Network said that the aim over the coming years will be to pilot electric aircraft which can be used to transport medical patients.
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.”
The helipad at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske in Truro
He added: “Geographic isolation and weather dependency present unique challenges when it comes to delivering equitable access to healthcare across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“This agreement will be a boost to the existing transport infrastructure and the delivery of urgent diagnostics, medications and specialist interventions.”
Based on pioneering work previously carried out as part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Flight Challenge programme, the agreement will see Open Skies Network formalise take-off and landing locations and infrastructure for active medical drone use in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
It was at the onset of the pandemic in 2020 that the first drones were used to send PPE kit and Covid test kits to the Isles of Scilly. It is based on that success and other tests and research that the new partnership has been launched.
Mr Whatmore said that it will also pave the way for future adoption of piloted electric aircraft, adding: “It will create a blueprint for a future-ready health and care system that can be replicated across urban, rural and island communities around the world.”
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.”
Councillor Avril Mumford, lead member for adults and public health at the Council for the Isles of Scilly, said: “This is exciting news for everyone on the islands, as our community often faces significant time and cost barriers when accessing health and care services.
“Recognition of our geographic challenges has led to some really innovative health and care service delivery over recent years, with our integrated neighbourhood teams already recognised as national trailblazers for their approach to the integration of health and social care.”
Mr Whatmore said that before medical drones are criss-crossing Cornwall’s sky, the next stage of the work will focus on “robust validation”, including infrastructure and safety protocols. This will involve validation flights to ensure the right drones are selected to safely deliver supplies and meet the needs of the local community.
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