A new AI-powered forecasting tool has been made available to all NHS Trusts in an effort to minimise waiting times for patients during the busy winter months.
The demand forecasting solution helps to predict when A&E departments will be busiest, leading to smarter planning for shifts and bed space and spotting potential bottlenecks.
The tool is being trained on seasonal health data in order to identify surges in demand for health services before they happen. This includes using data from the Met Office temperature forecasts and monitoring hospital admissions throughout the year.
“AI is already improving healthcare by speeding up diagnosis and unlocking new treatments. Now we are going a step further,” said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“By helping to predict demand, this AI forecasting tool is getting patients the care they need faster while supporting our incredible NHS staff.”
Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed pointed to the power of AI.
“The AI revolution is here and we are arming our NHS staff with the latest technology to help slash A&E waits for patients this busy winter period,” he said.
“Innovations like these will help hospitals manage winter pressure and prioritise resources over the coming months.
“This is part of our 10 Year Health Plan to shift healthcare from analogue to digital as we build an NHS that is fit for the future.”
The tool is in use by 50 NHS organisations and, at a time when emergency departments are under increasing pressure thanks to record flu cases, early feedback has been positive.
The government reports that hospital managers have praised its impact in supporting them to make better decisions about staffing and capacity.
This rollout forms part of the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars programme, which aims to use AI to improve public services and modernise outdated systems.
The programme is already delivering innovations such as an AI-powered chatbot on the GOV.UK website and AI-assisted discharge summaries.
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