Open Skies Network and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust set a new model for drone-enabled healthcare logistics

A new partnership between Open Skies Network and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will introduce routine medical drone deliveries for the NHS in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The agreement is described as the first of its kind within the NHS and aims to improve access to healthcare across a region shaped by distance, weather, and island geography.

The multi-year partnership is set to begin in 2025. It will support the adoption of cargo drones to move items such as pathology samples and medical supplies. Over time, the partners will also explore the use of piloted electric aircraft for medical transport.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly present unique challenges for healthcare delivery. Communities are spread across rural areas and islands, with around 30 miles of water separating the Isles of Scilly from the mainland. These factors can slow the movement of samples, medicines, and specialist equipment.

Gareth Whatmore, CEO at Open Skies Network, said the work builds on years of experience in the region. “From drone deliveries of testing kits and PPE during Covid, to the first long-haul and intra-island medical drone operations, our previous work in Cornwall has led UK capability for the NHS when it comes to drone-enabled healthcare logistics.”

Whatmore said the agreement marks a major step forward for the health system. “This agreement – the first of its kind in the NHS – will see Open Skies Network and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust working together to adopt a model for drone-enabled, digitally integrated health and care logistics. This supports delivery of the 10-year Health Plan to move care out of hospitals into communities and make better use of technology to help healthcare teams focus on preventing sickness, not just treating it.”

Improving Access Across a Challenging Region

The partnership aims to strengthen existing transport options rather than replace them. Drone deliveries are expected to support faster movement of urgent diagnostics, medicines, and specialist supplies, especially when weather or distance limits other transport methods.

Debbie Richards, Chief Executive at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said geography drives the need for new approaches. “With 30 miles of water between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland, our region’s geography dictates that we do things differently. Our work with Open Skies Network is all about adopting new technology and helping the NHS to realise the benefits of drone technology and digital integration to deliver improved patient care and responsiveness.”

She added that the goal is timely care, regardless of location. “Whether it is same-day prescriptions and medical sample deliveries or supporting clinical teams to provide care closer to patients’ homes, reducing healthcare-related travel, our goal is to ensure timely access to care and resources, regardless of geography.”

Building on Proven UK Research

The agreement draws on earlier work completed under the UK Research and Innovation Future Flight Challenge. As part of this next phase, Open Skies Network will formalize take-off and landing sites for active medical drone use across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project will also set out infrastructure and operating models that could support future piloted electric aircraft.

Supporters see the project as a blueprint that could scale beyond the region. The model is designed to work in urban, rural, and island settings, both in the UK and internationally.

Councillor Avril Mumford, Lead Member for Adults and Public Health at the Council for the Isles of Scilly, said the partnership could reduce long-standing barriers. “This is exciting news for everyone on the islands, as our community often faces significant time and cost barriers when accessing health and care services.”

She noted that the region has already taken a leading role in service design. “Recognition of our geographic challenges has led to some really innovative health and care service delivery over recent years, with our integrated neighbourhood teams already recognised as national trailblazers for their approach to the integration of health and social care.”

Next Steps and Validation

The next phase will focus on validation. This includes confirming infrastructure needs, safety processes, and flight operations. Validation flights will help ensure the selected drones can safely deliver supplies and meet local needs.

Incorporating drones into healthcare logistics supports faster diagnoses, improved specialist care, and reduced travel. The partners also note that drone operations align with NHS Net Zero goals while offering potential productivity gains for health services.

As the project moves forward, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will serve as a real-world testbed for how drones and future electric aircraft can support modern healthcare delivery.

Read more:

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