NHS trusts are being invited to bid for a share of £21m in government funding to integrate AI systems, such as image diagnostic tools that use machine learning to help doctors diagnose cancer.
Unveiled by Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay today, NHS trusts can submit bids for any AI diagnostic tool within their organisations, paid for by the AI Diagnostic Fund.
Using machine learning to review chest X-Rays is another area the government is hoping AI can support the UK’s healthcare system.
“The NHS is already harnessing the benefits of AI across the country in helping to catch and treat major diseases earlier, as well as better managing waiting lists so patients can be seen quicker,” said Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS.
Aside from the AI Diagnostic Fund, the government wants to implement “AI decision support tools” in every stroke network before the end of the year, which currently is in use at 86%.
Using technology to improve efficiency in the NHS has been a long-term focus for the government. Technology such as robot helpers and VR for training healthcare professionals have previously been trialled by the NHS.
Dr Deb Lowe, national clinical director for stroke medicine at NHS England, said: “The use of AI decision support software in the initial stages of stroke care means patients get interventions quicker, reducing the likelihood of disability and saving the brains.”
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