The Department of Health and Social Care has announced £21 million in funding for artificial intelligence technologies.
It’s intended to enable the roll-out of AI technology which, according to the announcement, will “help diagnose patients more quickly for conditions such as cancers, strokes and heart conditions”.
The announcement sets out the following key points about the funding and how it will be deployed:
- NHS Trusts will be able to bid for funding to “accelerate the deployment of the most promising AI tools across hospitals to help treat people more quickly this winter”
- The government “commits to deploying AI decision support tools in all stroke networks by the end of 2023 to help treat strokes through improved diagnosis and access to treatment”
This latest funding recognises that “access to new technologies means patients benefit enormously, with breakthroughs enabling prevention of ill-health, earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and faster recovery”.
Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, commented on the funding: “Artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we deliver healthcare and AI tools are already making a significant impact across the NHS in diagnosing conditions earlier, meaning people can be treated more quickly.
“As we celebrate the NHS’s 75th birthday and look ahead to the future, I’m focused on adopting the latest cutting-edge technology across our health and care system to ensure we can continue to deliver the best care for our patients and cut waiting times, which is one of the government’s five priorities.”
The announcement goes on to highlight the importance of “value for money” and a “regulatory approach” in introducing new AI-driven technologies.
The government also recently announced a new AI & Digital Regulation Service to help NHS staff find the right information and guidance when it comes to deploying AI devices safely.
To read the announcement in full, please click here.
