Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is launching a new three-month trial using the Speedbird DLV2 drone to travel between the Isle of Islay and the Isle of Jura. This trial is a partnership between the HSCP, Skyports, Argyll and Bute Council, and Royal Mail, and builds on the success of previous HSCP drone trials completed in 2022.
The drone selected for this trial is the Speedbird DLV2, which boasts a significantly larger payload capacity compared to the Swoop aircraft used in earlier HSCP projects. This advanced model also features enhanced GPS accuracy and improved battery life, allowing for longer and more precise flights. With its cutting-edge technology, the Speedbird DLV2 is expected to revolutionise the delivery landscape, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The trials will continue over the next 3 months, with a series of test flights planned to evaluate the drone's performance under various conditions. Engineers and project managers are optimistic about the potential outcomes, as successful trials could pave the way for widespread adoption of NHS drone delivery services.
As anticipation continues to build, the team is diligently preparing for further trials, ensuring all safety protocols are in place. The success of the Speedbird DLV2 could mark a significant milestone in the evolution of logistics and transportation, showcasing the incredible possibilities that modern technology holds for the future.
The ongoing project aims to investigate and establish a new sustainable out-of-hours (OOH) primary care model on the Isle of Jura. As part of this initiative, a pilot program will be conducted to assess the viability of deploying drones for inter-island logistics across a 2km distance. The primary focus will be on ensuring the maintenance of specific medication within the prescribed temperature range during transit, as this factor significantly impacts the efficacy of medical transportation. Extensive risk assessments will be undertaken to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges, including adverse weather conditions and potential failures in aircraft systems. Mitigation strategies encompass routine weather evaluations, diligent maintenance protocols, and dynamic risk appraisals.
Fiona Duff Interim Primary Care Manager said: “We're thrilled to have been invited to take part in these groundbreaking drone trials. If successful, the use of drones could provide significant benefits to both patients and staff by offering a dependable, time-saving service at a lower cost. This would eliminate the need for locum GPs to personally pick up medication from Islay or Lochgilphead Pharmacies, which is currently both time-consuming and costly."
The study will test whether drones can maintain the correct temperature range for a specific number of medications. This is a fundamental step in evaluating the feasibility of transporting potential medications and medical supplies between islands. Data collected during the trial will be thoroughly analysed to evaluate the pilot's success and feasibility. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for more widespread use of drones in healthcare logistics, contributing to improved service delivery and community resilience in Argyll and Bute.
Kristin Gillies, Argyll and Bute HSCP, Head of Planning, Performance and Technology explained: “Our top priority is to continually enhance and advance the delivery of our existing services. The trials are warmly welcomed and signify a notable step forward in showcasing the potential of utilising drones to significantly improve the transportation of medical supplies and empower our remote and rural communities.
“The objective of this experiment is to evaluate different logistical aspects and possible obstacles to assess the feasibility of effectively using drones. The main focus is on ensuring the appropriate temperature range for specific medications and medical supplies.”
In November 2022, the UK Government awarded Argyll and Bute Council a grant of £250,000 via the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund (RPF) to work in partnership with drone specialists Skyports to consider the possibility of creating a dedicated ‘blanket’ of air space over rural areas specifically for UAVs. This started in September 202 and has required close partnership working with the Civil Aviation Authority. The council has allocated a share of the funding it received from the RPF to the Royal Mail, NHS, Network Rail, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to carry out their own drone trials in the area. If successful, the trials will provide a blueprint that can be applied anywhere in the UK with the same air and ground risk characteristics.
The RPF is a grant-based fund to enable UK regulators and local authorities to help create a UK regulatory environment that encourages business innovation and investment. The current £12m round is being delivered by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The initiative's goal is to demonstrate that drones can safely share airspace with helicopters and other aircraft. The Speedbird DLV2, with its significantly larger payload capacity, will be utilised to transport school meals for Argyll and Bute Council, as well as items for Royal Mail and NHS supplies.
Images: Credit to ©Skyports 2024