NHS laboratory specimens were recently delivered over Firth of Clyde by drone for the first time, by Project CAELUS, (Care & Equity – Healthcare Logistics UAS Scotland.
The project has been breaking new ground in Scotland with drones flying lab samples across the Firth of Clyde for the first time, with help from ANRA Technologies and The Drone Office.
Live flying took place between University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock, to the Arran War Memorial on the Isle of Arran.
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AGS Airports led the three-week trial in collaboration with 15 other consortium partners.
As the lead health board, NHS Grampian has driven the approach across the NHS to understand the role this new logistics technology could play in mitigating challenges in access to healthcare in remote and rural areas.
Work continues throughout the project using drones to rapidly transport medical supplies and diagnostic samples between mainland hospitals and remote or rural areas.
The trial aims to address the logistical challenges faced by remote communities such as those on the Isle of Arran, where diagnostic samples must currently be transported by road and ferry to mainland hospitals, a process that can take up to five hours, while using drones can shorten this to 30 minutes.
During the trial, use cases, designed by NHS Scotland were tested, including simulating blood products being transferred by drone to a patient in urgent need of a medical attention.
Fiona Smith, project director for CAELUS, said: “Project CAELUS continues to work hard and be at the cutting edge of innovation.
“Our goal is to build a national drone network that can transport essential medicines, blood, and other medical supplies efficiently, particularly for Scotland’s rural and island communities.
“This technology could provide quicker diagnostic results and treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient care across the country.”
Adding, Karen Bell, national NHS programme lead for CAELUS, said: “NHS Grampian is pleased to be working with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub to further understand the benefits this technology could bring to healthcare delivery in island Communities.”
Ajay Modha, head of UK business for ANRA Technologies UK said: “CAELUS is revolutionising medical drone services, with ANRA Technologies playing a pivotal role in the trials.
“Through its cutting-edge delivery management system and advanced unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform, ANRA seamlessly integrates customers, drone operators, and airspace managers, ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable operations for life-saving deliveries.”
Innovations and achievements in robotics in healthcare will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table!
