Bob Seely MP has said it is ‘great news for the Island’ that the Isle of Wight will feature in a new government trial looking at the use of drones as a way of transporting medical supplies.
The testing forms part of the government’s plans to trial new transport innovation in three new ‘future transport zones’ – one of which is Portsmouth and Southampton. Island Echo first reported on the plans back in January.
It is thought that the use of drones between the Isle of Wight and the mainland will help speed up diagnoses by cutting out time spent journeying on ferries and roads. Once trials are complete, the drones could eventually be used to transport chemotherapy kits.
Seely said:
“This is great news for the Island. It’s a chance to transform the way we transport medical supplies to and from the Island.
“As an Island, we rely, in part, on mainland hospitals for specialist treatment. We need to think about the way we use technology in the future to reduce patient travel and ensure more treatment is available closer to home.
“The fact that the Isle of Wight is specifically mentioned in the government’s plans shows that the government has taken into account that the Island is unique in its health geography, as recognised by the Health Secretary last year.
“We have already secured £48 million from the government for improvements in Island healthcare, some of which will be invested into technology that will improve patient care, reduce waiting times and make better use of NHS staff time. This is all a step in the right direction to the Island receiving a better deal from the government.
Article continues below this advertisement “I look forward to hearing about how the testing goes.”
Ridiculous idea.
wont work in high winds – be cancelled, just like the ferries.
Anyone else facepalming?
A) Improve the hospital on the island
B) Build a fixed link, so people born on the island and do not wish to be pushed out by overners, can be treated and remain on the island.
No to your fixed link.
Do you have a better idea than just burying your head in the sand and pretending that the growth of the island is not servery hampered by transport links? Not 1970 anymore.
Might have guessed somebody would harp on about the FL – Boring!!!
Great until one comes through the cockpit of a plane and causes a crash. Bad idea .
Stupid idea. What happens if these things crash and some kid takes what they are carrying?
Even if they could boost the battery life (which would almost make it to the coast from Newport) it would still only work in good weather.
So far drones have mainly been used in this role in remote areas where it was less of a hazard when they failed and fell from the sky. Not so good in a built up area…
Otherwise it’s a great idea.
a decent frequency jammer will bring any drone to the ground, if it is not auto piloted. Then it can be robbed of its cargo, with impunity.
most remote controlled vehicles are designed to alter servos etc to default settings, if no instructions are received. That means the drone would descend to the ground almost immediately.
In bad stormy weather with high winds no flying time.
Not much difference to ferry’s, any excuse will do!
Kids playing with toys supported by fools
Bob Seeley do something about help for Pubs, Restaurants and Island businesses, your party seems to be shielding the rich insurance companies. Thousands of mainland people allowed to come to The Isle of Wight Festival but locals told not to go to the pub