Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare is partnering with Zipline to launch a healthcare drone delivery network in west central Florida beginning in late 2027.
Through the program, providers will place orders into Zipline drop boxes at designated sites, where drones will then autonomously receive and deliver the order.
“At BayCare, we're always looking for ways to remove barriers and make it easier for patients to get the care they need,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO, in a statement. “This new delivery option allows us to serve customers more quickly and reliably while giving patients more flexibility and convenience. It's one more way we're extending care beyond our walls and closer to home.”
The network is expected to launch in the St. Petersburg–Clearwater area before expanding across Tampa Bay, the organizations say.
Drone delivery will be optional for prescription pickup. Zipline will not have access to patient information and is fully compliant with all relevant regulations, including patient privacy laws.
“BayCare is thinking ahead about what better health care delivery should look like for patients, clinicians and communities,” said Hillary Brendzel, Zipline U.S. Markets managing director, in a statement. “We want people to have great experiences with health care wherever they are, from hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and even right at home. Zipline will help BayCare get providers and patients the supplies they need, reliably and quickly, wherever they are.”
Drone delivery programs are becoming increasingly common among healthcare organizations and retailers, including Amazon and Walmart.
In late March, Advocate Health announced it will be launching the largest hospital-based drone delivery network in the U.S. beginning in 2027.
Other health systems that have partnered with Zipline for drone deliveries include Cleveland Clinic, Intermountain Health, Mayo Clinic and MultiCare.