Drone Home – NHS Scotland UAV Pilot Takes Flight

13:30 - 16:00

The aim of NHS Scotland’s Recovery Plan (2021) is to increase NHS capacity, enable reforms in the delivery of care and deliver the right treatment as quickly as possible. To address the backlog in care and meet ongoing healthcare needs, the plan sets out key ambitions and actions to be developed and delivered now and over the next five years The plan has a specific focus on innovation and redesign. Improvements will focus on new approaches to delivering care that reduces the need for patient travel whilst maximising efficiencies within services.  

With growing interest throughout NHS Scotland, particularly in remote and rural areas as to where drone technology can be applied, particularly where transportation constraints exist (either weather, distance, normal service suspended etc.) - there remains further work to be completed on the full range of opportunities for drone technology that would then allow for the development of a National once for Scotland approach 

On this visit, delegates will travel to Aberdeen Airport to see at first-hand how drone technology has the potential to positively contribute to the delivery of person centred care, as well as tackle health inequalities, while contributing to our climate change and Net Zero ambitions. Delegates will be able to watch a live flight demonstration of the some of the drones currently being used, and will hear about progress being made in the introduction of the technology as part of a medical logistics solution in healthcare in Scotland.  

Please note that the Experience Day visits have limited capacity, so early booking is advised. 

  • Travel arrangements: Transport to and from the venue will be provided on the day. Delegates are asked to meet at the front entrance to the P&J. Delegates will then be transported back to the P&J Live after the visit. 

  • Meeting time/location: 13:30, outside the main entrance to the Hilton Hotel (which is next to the P&J Live)

  • Session duration: 14:00 – 15:30 

  • Arrive back at P&J Live: Approx. 16:00 

  • Venue: Aberdeen Airport  

  • Format: Presentation with Q&A followed by a practical demonstration. 

Emily Broadis


Emily is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and a member of the Faculty of Public Health.

Stephen Whiston

Head of Strategic Planning, Performance and Technology


Stephen has worked in the NHS and Social Care for 37 years moving to Argyll & Bute in 1997 from Blackburn, Lancashire.

Fiona Smith

Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy, AGS Airports Ltd


Fiona Smith is Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy for AGS Airports Ltd.

Hazel Dempsey

Programme Manager for Innovation


Hazel Dempsey has a background in both adult nursing and public health programmes and joined NHS Grampian in 2003.