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.?

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.