Is Drone Delivery The Future?

The NHS is looking to the skies to improve blood sample delivery times and enhance patient care. Using drones, a new pilot program aims to dramatically reduce delivery times, offering faster diagnostics and more efficient treatment decisions

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on National Health Executive

The concept of drone delivery has been a topic of discussion in healthcare for some time, as providers seek faster ways to deliver patient care. Now, in a groundbreaking development, drones are poised to take flight over London.

Innovative approach

In a groundbreaking initiative, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust will soon begin using drones to deliver vital blood samples. The aim is to speed up delivery, which can take more than 30 minutes when using traditional courier services. By utilising electric drones, delivery times could be slashed to under five minutes, allowing NHS staff to make quicker decisions on whether a patient should proceed to surgery or be discharged.

The Trust is collaborating with GSTT, Apian, Wing, and the Civil Aviation Authority on this initiative, with the pilot scheme expected to launch later this year. The six-month project, which has received the necessary approvals, will be monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Environmental Benefits

GSTT anticipates that switching blood sample deliveries from vehicles to drones will also bring substantial environmental benefits, including lower carbon emissions and reduced traffic congestion.

The trial will focus on delivering blood samples for patients undergoing surgery who are at high risk of complications due to bleeding disorders. If successful, the pilot could open the door for a wider range of items to be delivered via drone at GSTT and other NHS trusts across London.

“The drone pilot combines two of our key priorities – providing the best possible patient care and improving sustainability,” said Professor Ian Abbs, CEO at GSTT. “We are proud to be the first Trust in London to trial this innovative approach to help speed up blood sample analysis for our most urgent cases.”