NHS receives AI fund to improve healthcare efficiency

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is set to benefit from advanced AI technology, thanks to a new fund of £21 million. The AI Diagnostic Fund will enable NHS Trusts to apply for funding to expedite the deployment of AI imaging and decision support tools, with a focus on diagnosing conditions like cancer, strokes, and heart conditions.

The Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, has committed to implementing AI stroke-diagnosis technology across all stroke networks by the end of 2023, a significant increase from the current coverage of 86%. This initiative aims to ensure faster treatment for stroke patients.

Barclay highlighted the transformative impact of AI on healthcare, emphasizing its ability to enhance patient care and reduce waiting times. The integration of AI tools in the NHS has already demonstrated positive results, such as reducing the time it takes to diagnose and treat stroke patients. AI has been shown to triple the chances of stroke patients living independently after a stroke.

The primary application of the AI Diagnostic Fund is the use of AI tools for analyzing chest X-rays, which are commonly used for diagnosing lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK. With over 600,000 chest X-rays performed monthly in England, the widespread deployment of AI tools to NHS Trusts will assist clinicians in early cancer detection, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The funding provided through the AI Diagnostic Fund will be available to support the implementation of any AI diagnostic tool that NHS Trusts wish to deploy. However, proposals must demonstrate value for money to receive approval.

To ensure the safe deployment of AI devices, the government has established the AI & Digital Regulation Service, which assists NHS staff in accessing necessary information and guidance. This service simplifies the understanding of AI regulations in the NHS, making it easier for developers and adopters of AI to bring their products to market.

The investment in AI technology is crucial as the NHS currently spends £10 billion annually on medical technology, and the global market is projected to reach £150 billion next year. Access to innovative technologies promises significant benefits for patients, including disease prevention, early diagnosis, effective treatments, and faster recovery.