HEALTHCARE LOGISTICS ‘‘
Currently, drones must be in sight of a pilot when flying – meaning long journeys are only permitted under certain conditions. Plans are already underway to change this, with the industry working with the Civil Aviation Authority to find a solution
and samples quickly and efficiently. Lucy Gilbert, head of Innovation at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “We’re always looking at new, innovative ways of working which can further improve our delivery of patient care. This pilot initiative, carried out at no cost to the NHS, will educate and inform the Trust and its partners on whether this is a viable and feasible approach moving forward. We look forward to working closely with partners within this new industry sector.” Elliot Parnham, CEO of Skyfarer, said:
“We have been developing this service, and have partnered with Medical Logistics UK, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, and technology- enabling partners, to pioneer the adoption of drones for potentially life-saving medical delivery. The trials that have taken place are the first of their kind in the UK, flying day and night, in winter, in congested airspace, in the heart of England – and that is only the beginning. The UK’s first hub- centric network supplying drone services to society will bring routine capability to regions.”
Considering establishing a drone landing This, plus the potential of other small immediately required goods, is why – in the case of both an NHS Trust estate, or other outlying facilities such as clinics and
GPs – Estates managers may consider the installation of a drone landing spot or an area to install a ‘Drone in a Box’ where incoming samples or goods land inside the box. The box closes and secures the drone and its cargo until a technician or clinician removes the required items. In the future, these devices could transport organs for transplants or blood, thus reducing cost and travel time, and helping to save lives. There is even the possibility of air drone ambulances in the future.
Overcoming industry challenges together Before drones become part of everyday life, two technical and regulatory issues must be overcome. The first relates to the distance, size, and weight of loads that drones can carry, and the second to the navigation, monitoring, and control of drone traffic. Although batteries and other power sources have the potential to solve the first challenge, the second is trickier to overcome. Currently, drones must be in sight of a pilot when flying – meaning long journeys are only permitted under certain conditions. Plans are already underway to change this, with the industry working with the Civil Aviation Authority to find a solution. There are also plans to create air corridors to help facilitate traffic. To help the West Midlands Academic Health
info@shj.co.uk
Chris Dyke
Chris Dyke – Connectivity manager, Medilink Midlands, the Industry Gateway team for the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network – has been with Medilink since its inception in 2003, and has enjoyed seeing the company evolve and grow over this time, and playing a pivotal role in its business profile. He has a wide-ranging knowledge and expertise developed from years of work in industry and the healthcare sector, and from the interactions within the sector in the West Midlands since he joined Medilink.
Science Network and Midlands Aerospace Alliance solve industry challenges and build this emerging medical drone sector, please respond to the WMAHSN Drone Expression of Interest: https://wmahsn.
meridian.wazoku.com/challenge/55c4036 3492a4c3891f19a53271dc9fa
01494 782168
Founded in 1967, SHJ is a leading supplier of medical gas pipeline systems and services and a market leader in remote AI monitoring and energy-saving technologies.
Winner of Healthcare Supplier of the Year 2021, we have been delivering leading innovations to NHS & private sector healthcare providers across the UK for over 50 years.
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YOUR MEDICAL GAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
October 2023 Health Estate Journal 97
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