Remote communities will have access to medical supplies, including blood and medicine, as part of a transformational project using drones.
The UK’s first medical distribution network using drones to transport medical supplies has entered the next phase of development in Scotland.
The project, which is being led by AGS Airports in partnership with NHS Scotland, the CAELUS (Care & Equity – Healthcare Logistics UAS Scotland) project brings together 16 partners including the University of Strathclyde and NATS.
A recent announcement from CAELUS confirmed that a total of £10.1 million in funding will come from the Future Flight Challenge, and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
“Revolutionising” the way healthcare is delivered
Fiona Smith, AGS Airports Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy and CAELUS Project Director commented: “The CAELUS project is set to revolutionise the way in which healthcare services are delivered in Scotland.
“A drone network can ensure critical medical supplies can be delivered more efficiently, it can reduce waiting times for test results and, more importantly, it can provide equity of care between urban and remote rural communities.
“As well as being able to undertake live flights we can begin to deploy the physical infrastructure needed to support the drones across Scotland.
She added: “This will involve building prototype landing bases as well as digital and communication infrastructure. We will also work with local communities to ensure they understand why and how the drones will be used.”
Tobias Alpsten, Founder and CEO of myGP, shares his insights with Health Tech World. He said: “Demand for healthcare will always exist, and demand for easily accessible healthcare will remain.
“However, moving forward, it is about patient choice as each patient is different — many will adapt and be comfortable with a digital-first healthcare approach, whereas others may prefer in-person GP visits.”
He added: “Data shows us that repeat prescription ordering is a rapidly growing area. Notably, almost 50% of medication reminders set within the myGP app are for mental health medications, such as antidepressants.”
“We know that many patients using the myGP app are of working age and lead busy lives, so convenience is a key driver when it comes to repeat prescription ordering and delivery.
“When applied to the area of mental health, there is often a stigma attached, meaning a patient may prefer to order these medications online rather than in person. This is where online prescription ordering and home delivery hold significant value to patients.”
