Northern beaches could be test area for drones transporting blood samples between hospitals
Health authorities are exploring the possibility of sending blood sampleby drone from Mona Vale Hospital to Northern Beaches Hospital, because it is cheaper and quicker.
Manly
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Using a drone to transport blood lab samples between Mona Vale Hospital and Northern Beaches Hospital is being investigated by health authorities.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said drones had an unlimited potential in healthcare, including the possibility of moving blood products along the peninsula.
“The concept is good,” he said.
The Wakehurst MP said he had directed NSW Health to investigate more broadly the use of drones across the state.
However, he said there were a number of clinical and operational issues that would have to be worked through first.
One Collaroy businessman who has met with NSW Health to discuss using his drone services on the peninsula said the northern beaches was a great test area.
Tom Piotrowski of Southern Cross Drones met with NSW Health executives back in March where he suggested the northern beaches was the perfect place to test the service as the route would mostly be over water and bush.
He said using a drone to transport supplies was cheaper and quicker.
“Right now there are a number of trips being made between one hospital to another at regular times throughout the day,” he said.
“But if there’s an emergency you have to contact the driver, get them to pick up the supplies and then transport them. We can launch a drone in minutes.”
Mr Piotrowski said the 14km distance would take between eight to 10 minutes by drone compared to 25 minutes by car.
The drones he would use for the route would be the $80,000 Wingcopter, which can carry up to a six kilo load, or the $50,000 Matternet, which can carry a maximum of two kilos.
“The Matternet can be 100 per cent automated to the point the job could be ordered from a smartphone,” Mr Piotrowski said.
If his proposal was accepted he would charge NSW Health a monthly fee for the service.
The suggested route would be over the ocean towards Narrabeen lagoon, across the lake and over bush, to limit travelling over areas where there are lots of people.
Mackellar MP Jason Falinski — who has also called for Uber Air’s flying taxi to trial its new service on the beaches — is backing Mr Piotrowski’s bid.
Mr Falinski said innovative solutions like these are exactly what the northern beaches needs.
“Not only is it beneficial to the health system but it also takes cars off the road,” he said.
“This means less traffic and less pollution, plus it’s cost effective and quicker.”
“I am a big fan of innovative solutions like these, and will continue to support and advocate for them.”
“It is clear that Tom and his company have put a lot of thought into this and I urge NSW Health and Minister Hazzard to seriously consider the use of drones to transport medical supplies.”