With nearly 200.000 patients and 786 hospital beds, Zuyderland is one of the leading healthcare groups in the Netherlands, and the largest employer in the province of Limburg. Dirk Jan Van Berkel, Managing Director Screening & Diagnostics Zuyderland, described the need for fast and reliable drone transport. He presented the newly opened laboratory (270m²), covering clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, clinical pharmacology/toxicology and molecular diagnostics. In collaboration with Helicus, the laboratory building was adapted to support automated drone transport logistics. Adaptations included changes to the roof structure and ensure optimal drone infrastructural and procedural integration. 

Tim Cleys, Helicus head of healthcare integration, explained to an audience of lab managers, medical practitioners and laboratory staff how aviation can support the challenges that are faced by the healthcare professionals.