New legislation on the use of drones is imminent. This makes the use of the small aircraft by the Isala hospital in Meppel very concrete. From mid-2023, the first flights with blood should take place between Meppel and the hospital in Zwolle.
In recent years, several test flights have been held between Meppel and Zwolle. Isala wants to get started with drones because it can significantly improve healthcare. The focus is now on transporting blood samples. Blood is tested for most patients entering the hospital. Part of this research takes place in Zwolle. That laboratory is larger and also has considerable capacity in the evenings and weekends.
The Sanquin blood bank also sees many opportunities. For example, during an operation or a traffic accident, a patient may need a blood transfusion. The hospital itself also has blood in stock, but if it is busy or with a special blood group, it is taken to the hospital by emergency transport. That urgent transport will soon also be possible by air.
flight permit
The test flights were very successful and the drones have been greatly improved. As a result, the drones can now be deployed under more severe weather conditions. The aim is to be able to fly in 96 percent of the cases. Regulations were the main barrier for the hospital, but that is now underway.
“The laws and regulations are regulated by the European Union,” says Klaas Henk van der Steege of Isala. He is part of the project team that will bring the drones to Meppel. “Recently, the promise was made that the new law will take effect on January 1. From that moment on, we can apply for a permanent permit to fly and start with this project.”
A separate permit to fly must now be applied for for each flight. “That is of course not possible,” continues Van der Steege. “We want to use drones for emergency flights and then a permit application is not workable. That takes too long. We are happy that the permanent flying permit is coming. Without that permit, this project would have ended immediately.”
Signals on green
The ANWB is a partner of Isala in the project. For example, they now also manage the trauma helicopter. “Realising a Zwolle-Meppel air bridge is a lot closer now that the new regulations are approaching,” says Markus van Tol on behalf of the ANWB. “We are very happy with that. The technology offers us this opportunity and you have to use it for the benefit of people.”
According to Van Tol, a lot of work has been done to change the rules. “It’s complicated. Normal drones fly within sight of the pilot, our pilot will soon be at our office in The Hague while the drone flies in Meppel. According to the current rules, that is not allowed. Fortunately, the rules are going to change. We have bought the drones , lots of flying experience and trained pilots: all signals are green.”
Scoop
Now that the project has progressed, the hospital in Meppel and Zwolle has started the construction of a landing site. It is about three by three meters. The batteries are also charged in it. “In the beginning we will mainly fly in the weekends and evenings,” says Van der Steege. “Those are the quiet hours and at those times the lab in Zwolle is enough. Because of the drone we need to deploy less staff in Meppel.”
It is a small start, but the promise for the future is great, according to Van der Steege. “The dream is to also connect doctor’s posts and small clinics by drone. Then we can do the research in the specialized labs, but keep the care close to the people.”
Meppel will have the scoop in 2023. Other areas in the Netherlands are also working on this, but Meppel has an advantage. “Few high buildings, no airports or other disturbances. That makes this possible faster,” concludes Van der Steege.