Drones to Begin Delivering Blood Between London Hospitals in Groundbreaking NHS Trial

London hospitals will soon witness drones delivering blood samples in a groundbreaking six-month pilot program launched by U.K. startup Apian, Alphabet’s drone company Wing, and the National Health Service (NHS). The trial will see drones flying urgent blood samples between Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital, drastically cutting delivery times from over 30 minutes via traditional transport to less than 2 minutes.

The initiative, which targets the fast delivery of blood for patients undergoing surgery and those with bleeding disorders, will be regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. Officials believe this project could pave the way for broader drone-based medical deliveries across the city. A similar trial for blood platelet deliveries is also in the works.

Previous NHS drone trials in rural U.K. areas have shown no significant differences in the condition of blood delivered by drones compared to traditional methods. The initiative is also expected to cut CO2 emissions by reducing the need for electric or gas vehicles.

Dr. Hammad Jeilani, co-founder of Apian, emphasized that drones offer a more responsive and efficient healthcare logistics system. He said, “An NHS drone delivery network in London… will provide on-demand, automated, and sustainable deliveries, helping the NHS create more efficient models of working.”

Apian has previously partnered with Wing for medical drone deliveries in Dublin and conducted successful trials in rural U.K. areas. The startup raised £5 million in seed funding in 2022, supported by investors like LocalGlobe and KHP Ventures, the first NHS-backed venture fund.