Many of the islands along the coast of Western Scotland are heavily reliant on ferry connections. In many places though, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen ferry timetables disrupted or cancelled - at a time when certain medical supplies such as COVID-19 testing kits and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are needed more urgently than ever, this is where Wingcopter's 198 delivery drone steps in.
Solution
Together with Skyports and on behalf of Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) – the integrated partnership of NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council – we conducted a successful trial to help ensure that isolated communities have access to tests, delivered in a fast and efficient way by Wingcopter.
Based at Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban, the trial consisted of two-way BVLOS flights between the hospital and Mull and Iona Community Hospital in Craignure 10 miles (16 km) away on the Isle of Mull.
Outcome
The trial saw delivery times cut from up to 6 hours one-way by ground transport and ferry to around 15 minutes, on-demand, by Wingcopter, resulting in considerable savings in terms of both time and resources, as well as contributing to keeping front line medical and delivery personnel safe.
The use of drones provides real opportunities to improve services and will help enable quicker diagnosis for our patients. - Joanna Macdonald Chief Officer for Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership
Source: Wingcopter