Clearwater, Florida-based BayCare is partnering with Zipline to launch a healthcare drone delivery network in Midwest Florida beginning in late 2027.
Through this program, providers place orders into zipline dropboxes at designated locations, where drones autonomously pick up and deliver orders.
“At BayCare, we are always looking for ways to remove barriers and make it easier for patients to get the care they need,” Stephanie Connors, BayCare president and CEO, said in a statement. “This new delivery option allows us to serve our customers faster and more reliably, while providing more flexibility and convenience for our patients. It’s another way we’re bringing healthcare beyond our walls and closer to home.”
The network will begin in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas before expanding throughout Tampa Bay, the organizations said.
When it comes to picking up prescriptions, drone delivery is an option. Zipline does not have access to patient information and is fully compliant with all relevant regulations, including patient privacy laws.
“BayCare is thinking ahead to what better health care delivery looks like for patients, clinicians and communities,” Hilary Brenzel, managing director of Zipline US Markets, said in a statement. “We want people to have a great health care experience wherever they are: in the hospital, clinic, pharmacy, or even their home. Zipline will help BayCare get the supplies they need to healthcare workers and patients wherever they are, reliably and quickly.”
Drone delivery programs are becoming increasingly popular among healthcare organizations and retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.
In late March, Advocate Health announced it would launch the nation’s largest hospital-based drone delivery network starting in 2027.
Other health systems partnering with Zipline for drone deliveries include Cleveland Clinic, Intermountain Health, Mayo Clinic and Multicare.
