Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has rolled out ambient voice technology across more locations and community services following a successful trial.
The initial trial of the Lyrebird AVT solution incorporated services including same day emergency care, dermatology, rheumatology, and urology. The technology will now be used in services including the emergency department, paediatrics, orthopaedics, the stroke unit, and the minor injuries unit, MCHT reports.
More than 300 members of staff have been trained on using the technology so far, according to Rosie Redstone, digital senior project manager. “During the trial period we received great feedback from both staff and patients and the subsequent evaluation and review demonstrated an overwhelming case for implementing it out across Leighton Hospital and the Victoria Infirmary,” she adds.
Consultant rheumatologist and clinical lead for outpatient transformation Laura Chadwick comments: “By removing the burden of trying to capture and retain every detail for my clinic letter, it frees up valuable mental space so I can be fully present, listen more effectively, and work with patients to agree on a management plan that is right for them.”
AVT was featured in plans for the initial stages of AI deployment set out within MCHT’s digital and data strategic plan to 2033, which focuses on four domains for the deployment of AI, covering clinical, operational, workforce, and patients.
The trust also announced the launch of its Digital First programme earlier this month, looking to update the way it sends out patient communications and to make greater use of digital channels such as the NHS App. Patient letters and updates will now be sent out digitally, with the NHS App as the default method of communication alongside text messaging. MCHT shares hopes that this will reduce delays linked with traditional post, and make it easier for patients to find and view appointment information, clinic letters, and updates.
Wider trend: AVT
The North West London Acute Provider Group has shared its intent to procure an ambient voice technology solution, launching a market engagement opportunity. The group, covering Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; estimates that a future contract for the solution will run from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030, a total of three years.
Digital Health and Care Wales is launching a £10 million open framework agreement for AVT solutions, aiming to support the adoption of tech to improve clinical documentation processes. The agreement is intended to maintain a “pre-qualified list” of AVT suppliers, who will have to meet conditions enabling their participation and achieve a minimum evaluation threshold. According to DHCW, AVT solutions could include ambient voice capture, speech-to-text transcription, generative AI summarisation, suggested structured clinical coding, intelligent summarisation, automated template population, review and approval workflows, integration with GP systems, and insights and reporting.
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust has shared updates on its use of AVT, offering an insight into how it is being used to support the patient experience. Earlier this year, the trust reported that a technical validation had been completed, with a phased roll out of the technology beginning with surgery and haematology in January 2026. “The AVT solution is based on an upgraded version of existing digital dictation product (Epro),” it noted. The AVT programme has followed a coordinated roll out across priority use cases, according to The Christie, focusing on improving clinical efficiency, documentation quality, and patient experience. It also has plans to extend beyond outpatients to areas including MDTs, board rounds, virtual clinics, and emerging automations.
