A HEALTHCARE drone trial that could revolutionise the way the NHS transports samples is being tested at Broomfield Hospital.
The three-metre wingspan drone is set to begin test flights later this month, in a six-month trial backed by the UK Space Agency.
If phase one of the test flights are successful over the next few months, it’s hoped the drone will then fly non-medical items, such as PPE, and could eventually even carry COVID-19 samples and blood tests.
Charlotte Williams, Director of Strategy for the Trust, said: “We are really excited to be involved in this project and see how the use of drones could help deliver real benefits to both patients and staff, with a reliable time-saving service.”
A purpose-built landing pad is being built on the hospital site in Chelmsford for the flights. The hybrid-drone lands and takes off vertically, like a helicopter, but also has wings like a plane.
It’s a fitting a location for the trial, as Broomfield was…
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