Drone carries blood and cancer drugs between hospitals to cut emissions

Aircraft with top speed of 70mph will transport key medical supplies between sites in Northumberland

(Northumbria Healthcare / SWNS)

A drone is being used by an NHS trust to transport blood samples, cancer treatment and other drugs between hospitals as part of a trial aimed at reducing delivery times and cutting harmful carbon emissions.

Northumbria Healthcare said the “innovative” four-month project would start on Monday, 13 February and take place at Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington, Alnwick Infirmary.

Initially, six test flights will carry clinical supplies, prescriptions, blood packs and mail between the three hospitals, which cover a roughly 50-mile stretch along the east coast.