US drone delivery firm Zipline to launch Northumberland base and create new jobs

US drone delivery company Zipline is to open a base in Northumberland as part of an NHS programme which sees its autonomous aircraft deliver crucial medical supplies to hospitals, GPs and care homes. UK-based healthcare logistics company Apian has partnered with Zipline, the California company that designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones, in the new project, which will create a number of North East jobs. The programme with the health service is set to be expanded through a roll-out to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust by the autumn of 2024. It will see the creation of a new Zipline hub for its operations near the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland. Zipline is used by companies such as Cleveland Clinic, Pfizer, and Walmart, to ensure that facilities are stocked with necessary medical devices and prescriptions. The firm’s fleet of fixed-wing, fully autonomous aircraft – called Zips – harnesses tech including AI to fly quietly and autonomously, and they can travel up to 130 miles round-trip in almost any weather conditions, and release packages with parachutes that float down to a hospital’s outdoor area. All Zips are supervised by trained aviation personnel who can track a Zip’s flight and intervene if necessary. The company will centralise the inventory of frequently-ordered products such as prescription medicines, wound care products and joint replacement implants, and will deliver them to Hexham General Hospital, Wansbeck General Hospital, Haltwhistle War Memorial Hospital and regional health facilities within minutes of getting the order. The programme will see Apian, Zipline and the NHS serve more than 30 GP, care and health facilities across the region, and Sir James Mackey, CEO of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said it will reduce the health system’s reliance on expensive last-minute logistics to move products between facilities when needed. Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and co-founder of Zipline, said: “Today, 3,000-pound gas vehicles driven by humans are used to deliver three-pound packages billions of times per year. It’s expensive, slow and bad for the environment. This decision means that the NHS can start to transition delivery to solutions that are 10 times as fast, less expensive, and zero emission. This service will be delivered at a fraction of the cost of the existing solution, and will help drive financial savings to the NHS in the longer term.” Sir James said: “This expansion with Zipline and Apian is an exciting next step as we strive to improve services for the hundreds of thousands of patients we serve. We believe this innovative technology could be used to improve healthcare outcomes, save money and eliminate supply chain complexities, and we’re keen to get started. Apian was co-founded by a team of former NHS doctors and has built a platform which integrates healthcare and aviation, creating an automated on-demand delivery system that allows the NHS to easily place orders, and Zipline to fulfil them. Dr Christopher Law, medical director and co-founder of Apian, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the impact that running out of supplies can have on patient health outcomes. Healthcare should benefit from on-demand delivery, much like consumers now do in their personal lives.

Stena Line signs major deal with Peel Ports to operate at Heysham Port for another 77 years

Stena Line has announced its second major Irish Sea freight deal within days with an agreement to continue operating from Heysham for another 77 years. The ferry and port operator has signed a deal with Peel Ports Group to operate from Heysham Port until 2100. Swedish group Stena Line runs a twice-daily freight service between Belfast and Heysham, a crucial trade corridor between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Just last week Stena Line announced a new freight service between Dublin and Peel Ports’ 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead. That followed Stena’s agreement with Peel earlier this year for the 12 Quays terminal to continue operating until the end of the century. Stena also announced this year that it was investing in the Belfast-Heysham route with two new-build state-of-the-art ‘NewMax’ ferries, boosting freight capacity by 80%. The first vessel will operate from 2025. Peel Ports, working with Stena Line, now plans to invest in new terminal management systems at the port including a ‘smart gate’ automatic check-in system, and also plans to increase trailer parking capacity. The two firms will also work together to provide extra electrical capacity onshore “to facilitate the future goal of powering the new ships by green shore power”. Stena Line operates up to 238 weekly sailings on the Irish Sea. They include combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, and Rosslare to Cherbourg. There is also the dedicated freight-only route from Belfast to Heysham and the new Dublin-Birkenhead route. Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line, said: “Our business on our Belfast-Heysham route has thrived in recent years and is a vital connection for freight transport across the Irish Sea. With the upcoming introduction of our NewMax hybrid ships, this route represents a unique opportunity for Stena Line to offer our freight customers more sustainable transport between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and will be a key milestone in our sustainability journey.” Carl-Johan Hellner, chief operating officer ports & terminals at Stena Line, said: “Following our signing of the Birkenhead 12 Quays deal earlier this year, this agreement reinforces our long-term commitment to Peel Ports Group and further strengthens our partnership. Heysham is an important hub for our Irish Sea business and we’ve been developing our operations here year on year. We’re excited for the future of the route and to building on its current success.” David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “We have been collaborating successfully with Stena Line for many years and it’s fantastic to establish another long-term agreement with the business.”

Jet2 confirms job losses to be made following review of operations in Spain

Holiday airline and operator Jet2 has confirmed jobs are set to go following a review of its operations in Spain. The Leeds based business – which is the operator of Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays – flies to and from 13 Spanish destinations, including mainland airports Barcelona, Malaga and Alicante, and to islands including Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Tenerife. However the company, which is believed to have around 1,000 staff in the European country, is now poised to carry out a significant restructure of its operations in Spain. It is understood the review could affect up to 35% of its staff in Spain. A consultation is now under way with staff within a number of affected divisions. A spokesperson confirmed: “We have recently reviewed our operations in Spain. As a result, we must sadly propose a number of colleague redundancies across Resort Flight Check-in, Flight Deck and Cabin Crew roles. “We deeply regret these proposed redundancies, and we will be consulting with appropriate representatives of the affected colleagues to ensure that all options are fully considered.”

Diving into the Reality of Intermittent Fasting: Advantages, Drawbacks, and Safe Practice

Aubrey Ford 

Intermittent fasting (IF) is rapidly becoming a popular method for managing weight and enhancing overall health. Unlike conventional diets that concentrate on dietary content, IF is more concerned with the timing of food intake, cycling between fasting and eating phases. Although fasting has been a part of many cultural and religious practices for ages, recent scientific research has begun to uncover its potential benefits and potential drawbacks. A primary advantage of IF is its capacity to facilitate weight reduction. By limiting the eating window, IF can result in a decreased total caloric intake, which is essential for achieving a calorie deficit and, consequently, weight loss. Moreover, fasting can initiate hormonal changes that boost fat metabolism and enhance metabolic health. For instance, fasting can elevate levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that accelerates metabolism and aids in the breakdown of fat. Studies have indicated that IF can also enhance insulin sensitivity, making it a valuable tool for regulating blood sugar levels and mitigating the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores and starts to burn fat for energy, leading to lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin action. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals with insulin resistance or those in a prediabetic state. Beyond the scope of weight loss and metabolic health, IF may also provide cognitive benefits. Some research suggests that fasting could improve brain function, guard against neurodegenerative conditions, and increase mental sharpness. This is believed to be due to the production of ketones, which act as an alternative fuel for the brain during fasting periods. Nevertheless, IF is not without its potential pitfalls. For certain individuals, fasting might result in nutritional deficiencies, reduced energy levels, and irregular eating habits. It may also be inappropriate for specific populations, such as pregnant women, those with a history of eating disorders, or individuals with ongoing health concerns. Thus, it's crucial to approach IF with caution and to seek advice from a healthcare provider before beginning. For a safe start with intermittent fasting, consider beginning with a manageable fasting schedule, such as the 16:8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and consuming food within an 8-hour window. During the eating periods, prioritize the intake of nutrient-rich foods that supply essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. Maintain hydration by drinking ample water, herbal teas, and other non-caloric beverages during fasting periods. In summary, intermittent fasting can be a valuable health strategy, but it's not universally applicable. By grasping its benefits and potential risks and customizing the approach to personal needs, it's feasible to optimize the advantages of IF while minimizing potential negative impacts. As with any dietary adjustment, paying attention to your body's signals and seeking professional advice is crucial for success.