Drones carrying medical supplies will be taking to the skies of Northumberland next week as a trial phase of a project gets underway.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with Apian to explore the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) to carry chemotherapy drugs, blood samples and other items between sites. Following a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval process, test flights will be taking place from Monday February 13 to Friday May 12 along a route from Wansbeck General Hospital at Ashington up to Alnwick Infirmary and onto Berwick Infirmary.
Given Northumbria Healthcare's large, predominantly rural patch across Northumberland and North Tyneside, it is hoped that using drones could reduce delivery times and cut carbon emissions. The trial will collect logistical data and assess the impact on patient experience, staff resources and environmental benefits.
