Electric drones carrying blood samples, COVID-19 test kits and personal protective equipment are set to take to the skies. The fleet is one of three space-based measures designed to relieve pressure on the NHS and to boost remote education.
The projects are being funded by the UK Space Agency in collaboration with ESA.
The drones will be used to deliver medical supplies by a small start-up company called Apian that was founded by two trainee medics as part of the NHS’s clinical entrepreneur programme.
Apian uses satellite communication to establish a network of secure air corridors for the drones. Using drones avoids courier call-out waiting times, frees up NHS staff, reduces unnecessary physical contact and minimises the risk of secondary transmission of the virus.
The project is based at Broomfield Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.