NHS drones cross Firth of Clyde in latest CAELUS trial

Over a period of three weeks, flights took place between University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock to the Arran War Memorial on the Isle of Arran.

Scenarios designed by NHS Scotland were tested, including simulating blood products being transferred by drone to a patient in urgent need of medical attention. Tests were also carried out exploring how NHS staff would engage with the drone both physically and digitally.

The Firth of Clyde tests are just the latest instalment in the wide-ranging Project CAELUS (Care & Equity – Healthcare Logistics UAS Scotland). Running since December 2020, CAELUS has seen more than a dozen consortium partners working together to deliver the UK’s first national drone network for medical supplies and blood delivery.

“Project CAELUS continues to work hard and be at the cutting edge of innovation,” said Fiona Smith, CAELUS project director. “Our goal is to build a national drone network that can transport essential medicines, blood, and other medical supplies efficiently, particularly for Scotland's rural and island communities.