South West London patients set to benefit from NHS drone delivery expansion
Patients across south west London are set to receive faster test results as the NHS expands its drone delivery network to transport urgent pathology samples using zero emission technology.
In the next phase of London’s NHS drone programme, samples will be flown from the Nelson Health Centre in Merton to the central laboratory at St George’s Hospital in Tooting. Delivery times are expected to fall by up to 85%, helping clinicians access results more quickly and make timely decisions about patient care.
The service supports the South West London Pathology (SWLP) network and is designed to strengthen both hospital and primary care services. By linking GP sites directly with hospital laboratories, the programme demonstrates how new technology can help shift care out of hospitals and closer to patients’ homes, a key NHS priority.
The project builds on the first phase of London’s NHS drone delivery network, launched at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust with pathology provider Synnovis. That trial saw more than 6,000 patient samples transported safely by drones operated by Wing on behalf of Apian. It delivered average cost savings of 28% and cut CO2 emissions by 98.4% per delivery compared with dedicated courier vans.
The south west London expansion brings together SWLP, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Apian, and Wing. Apian, founded by NHS doctors, specialises in autonomous medical logistics, while Wing has completed more than 750,000 commercial drone deliveries worldwide. The programme is being developed in close collaboration with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and NATS to ensure safe operation in London’s complex airspace.
By avoiding congestion on busy roads, the service improves resilience, reduces emissions, and frees up staff time. For patients, the benefit is clear: quicker test results, faster treatment decisions, and a more efficient, sustainable NHS supported by cutting edge technology.
