AI NHS tech tested in Surrey to receive just under £30m in Government funding
The technology which was tested at the Royal Surrey Hospital acts as a 'second pair of eyes' for doctors when detecting anomalies
New funding into AI technology which provide faster diagnosis has been announced after the tech was tested at the Royal Surrey Hospital
The funding will allow the proven AI technology to be implemented in every NHS Trust in England, whilst also piloting new digital innovations.
In a significant advancement, AI-powered X-ray tools that serve as an extra set of eyes for radiologists will be made available across all NHS Trusts by 2029.
This initiative, supported by just under £30 million of government money, promises quicker diagnoses and swifter patient treatment.
Currently in use across half of England's NHS Trusts, the AI technology has already enhanced patient care by enabling more than 4 million individuals to receive faster diagnoses or be cleared of lung cancer.
Early data indicates that this technology helps radiologists assess scans in roughly four days on average, down from eight days for more complex cases.
By improving efficiency in managing the increasing demand for imaging services and alleviating pressure on radiology teams, this AI capability is aiding patients in receiving follow-up diagnostic tests sooner, thereby expediting their access to diagnosis and treatment.
Ian Murphy - Minister of state for Innovation and Technology, alongside Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill visited the Royal Surrey Hospital where the technology was demonstrated
Murphy spoke to us at the hospital
"I think it's hugely fascinating when you see what AI is able to do and how quick it can do it and you see what it does to not just the throughput, but the patient care.
And you can see it's great about job satisfaction for whether you're a nurse or doctor or consultant, we're able then to do things really quickly and then give that directly to the patient."
With regards to the AI aspect, Murphy added technological developments have always been present and that they remain vital
"Throughout the course of our lives in terms of patient care, whether you're having an MRI scan, a CT scan, anything in theatre, it's all driven by technologies that are advancing
AI is just another tool in that box and what we've seen today is how it can diagnose, for example, somebody who's having a stroke within three minutes rather than an hour. That 57 minute gap is a huge improvement in patient care for survival and treatment. So AI is a supplement, not a replacement for any of the technologies that we've got and we should be advancing them in the health sector."
MP Preet Kaur Gill emphasised the point of having a culture of innovation within the NHS
"The innovation exists. It exists everywhere. We have got to make sure that we get it into the NHS, that there is the adoption. And that's why I'm really excited that this government is absolutely backing innovation and it's transforming our NHS. And that's exactly what patients want to see. Better outcomes, better treatment."