NHS to use AI on its app to direct patients to appropriate services
Summary
The NHS will use artificial intelligence (AI) in its app to help patients find the right healthcare service, such as a GP appointment, pharmacy visit, or emergency care. This change is part of a £10 billion investment to improve NHS technology and is expected to reduce waiting times and paperwork for doctors.Key Facts
- The AI tool will help decide if patients need a GP appointment or other care like pharmacy or emergency services.
- About 200,000 patients will start using the tool in the next year, with full access by April 2028.
- A trial in Sussex led to 29% fewer patients waiting on phone lines for GP appointments.
- The government’s £10 billion funding package aims to update NHS technology and data systems.
- AI may also help record patient consultations to reduce the time doctors spend taking notes.
- Health experts warn about risks including privacy concerns, possible mistakes by AI, and disadvantaging less tech-savvy patients.
- Officials call for a clear long-term plan to guide AI use across the NHS and ensure safe, wide adoption.
- NHS leaders want local control over AI investments and clear rules on mandatory use to avoid wasted funding.
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