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Intelsius are proud to be leading the AiResponse consortium, which aims to showcase the advantages of using drone technology to support current U.K. healthcare professionals and processes. Working closely with the NHS as part of a wider consortium of academic, tech, and local government partners (full list detailed on our dedicated AiResponse consortium dedicated webpage), we will be developing, testing, and implementing this novel solution to address the challenges facing the NHS when delivering test samples and medical supplies and will strive to develop faster, safer, and more economically viable transport solutions.

AiResponse Consortium – User Focused Drone Technology

AiResponse is a user-led project, not an out of the box solution that asks the user to fit around it. Intelsius and the wider AiResponse consortium will put the needs of the end-users at the core of the development process, with the aim of delivering a well-suited solution for multiple healthcare settings. With drone technology already in use across numerous other sectors, and in used for healthcare purposes in other countries, we aim to deliver a first of its kind solution for the healthcare sector in the U.K. that significantly impacts the ability of healthcare providers to streamline and improve their sample transport and medical supply chain procedures.

We will be working hand-in-hand with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Milton Keynes University Hospital to better understand their specific needs, as well as a wider coalition of technical experts in the development and implementation of the SOP, and the drone technology itself. Intelsius Technical Director, Jens Mangelsen outlines the importance of this user-led approach, and the value of collaboration: ‘From the very beginning, we knew it was essential that the development of this novel SOP was led by its intended users: healthcare providers. That’s why we’re working closely with the NHS to better understand their challenges, involving them at every step of the journey to ensure a truly industry changing solution. We’re also incredibly proud to be joined on this journey by some highly skilled, specialist partners that’ll ensure we can secure the best outcome for this project’.

Full details of the consortium and its members can be found on our dedicated webpage, here.

Why Drone Technology, and Why Now?

The project gained momentum and funding on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the use of drones could support social distancing, limits cross-contamination, and reduces medical and logistics staff exposure to unnecessary health risks. Speed, manpower, social distancing, and cost are all key drivers behind the move to implement drone technology within the U.K.’s hospitals. Blue Bear Drone

For example, though it represents the replacement of just 10% of the estimated 2.3 million annual medical deliveries by ambulances and other forms of transport, with carbon neutral electrically powered drones, the U.K. carbon dioxide emissions will reduce by 7,200 tonnes annually if this SOP is fully implemented. Furthermore, the removal of 230,000 road journeys per year will make a significant contribution to reducing road congestion.

Beyond being environmentally friendly, and reducing strain on infrastructure, it’s the impact on key healthcare workers and patients that form the central benefits to this project. As mentioned earlier, this is a user-led project, meaning that input from the NHS will influence key technological and procedural decisions. The ultimate aim is to make the lives of healthcare workers easier and improve patient outcomes.

Stay in Touch

For more information, and for regular updates about the consortium’s progress including interviews, video updates, and blog posts, visit our dedicated AiResponse consortium webpage here. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates on this project and more.

Alternatively, to get in touch with Intelsius directly, you can contact us here.

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