Pharmacy Daily | TWC takes flight with rural delivery

TERRYWHITE Chemmart (TWC) is set to trial a remotely operated drone delivery service for patients in rural parts of Queensland.

The project, backed by wholesaler, Symbion, has been developed with drone-powered health logistics company, Swoop Aero, and will support TWC pharmacies to ensure equitable access to medicines regardless of a patient's location.

Symbion CEO, Brett Barons, said the service could be critical for maintaining medicines supplies during crises.

"Not only is this a very convenient option for the delivery of medicines for those living outside of ready access to their pharmacy but, as we saw during the terrible bushfires in Australia last summer, there were cases where road access to some homes and towns was completely shut off," he said.

"To have a drone to provide deliveries of medicines could be of critical importance in situations where accessibility is limited."

The drones have a range of 130km and can travel at speeds of up to 115km/h and withstand wind speeds of up to 50km/h and heavy rain.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia 2017 Pharmacy of the Year winner, TWC Goondiwindi, has been selected to trial the service, with owner, Lucy Walker, confident the service will be a significant boost for rural health.

"Many of my customers live on farms or small towns in outlying areas. In some cases a visit to our pharmacy to collect their vital medicines may mean a three-hour round trip," she said.

"With the ability to service people within a 130km range of Goondiwindi, this drone trial will provide enormous convenience and peace of mind for many of our customers.

"Importantly, we will learn a great deal from the trial, what works well, and what may need improving.

"We can use these learnings to not only fine tune the service to our community but also share with other regional TWC pharmacies around Australia who may be looking to investigate a drone delivery service."