Hospitals using\u00a0AI to\u00a0improve planning and tackle bottlenecks in\u00a0A&E departments as government delivers NHS fit for the future
\n Forecasting tool in use across 50 NHS organisations\u00a0speeding up\u00a0treatment times for patients
\n Latest milestone for the Prime Minister\u2019s AI Exemplars programme, using AI to improve lives and modernise services across health, justice, tax\u00a0and planning.<\/p>\n
Patients could be seen quicker this winter as hospitals across England increasingly use artificial intelligence to help\u00a0predict when A&E departments will be busiest.<\/p>\n
The A&E demand forecasting tool highlights how the government is using cutting edge and emerging technologies to modernise public services and drive national renewal. Available to all NHS Trusts, it\u00a0is already\u00a0in use by\u00a050 NHS organisations – helping them plan\u00a0how many people are likely to need emergency care and treatment on any given day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For NHS staff, this means smarter planning for shifts and bed space in the long-term, reducing last-minute pressure thanks to clearer forecasts which spot potential bottlenecks. For patients, it will ultimately\u00a0mean shorter waiting times during busy periods – ensuring people get the care they need more quickly.<\/p>\n
This winter has already seen record flu cases putting additional pressure on emergency departments, while Christmas typically adds to this pressure with festive challenges such as icy falls and other seasonal illnesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n
More than 18 million flu vaccines have been delivered this autumn hundreds of thousands more than the same point last year. With the tool being constantly trained on seasonal health data, it will help to spot\u00a0surges in demand for health\u00a0services before they happen\u00a0– giving hospitals the opportunity to put staff in the right place at the right time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The tool uses this data to highlight regular pinch points where demand is likely to be higher across the course of the year. That includes a wide range of areas, from Met Office temperature forecasts and hospital admissions through to which days of the week are busier than others. This data then produces forecasts for the coming days and weeks which hospitals can use to more effectively manage resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It forms part of the Prime Minister\u2019s AI Exemplars programme<\/a> \u2013 putting AI to use to improve public services, modernise outdated systems, and drive the national renewal hardworking people deserve. This will make the services people interact with smarter, more efficient, and fit for the modern age.<\/p>\n Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:<\/p>\n AI is already improving healthcare by speeding up diagnosis and unlocking new treatments. Now we are going a step further.<\/p>\n By helping to predict demand, this AI forecasting tool is getting patients the care they need faster while supporting our incredible NHS staff.<\/p>\n That means easing pressure by ensuring the NHS is at the forefront of the latest technology during the busiest time of year.<\/p>\n Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Innovations like these will help hospitals manage winter pressure and prioritise resources over the coming months as we continue to battle a tidal wave of flu.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Early feedback from staff has been positive.\u00a0Hospital managers have praised its impact in supporting them to make better decisions about staffing and capacity, meaning patients\u00a0can then move through the system more efficiently.\u00a0<\/p>\n Local NHS organisations using the tool include NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, as well as NHS Bedfordshire, Luton\u00a0and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board.<\/p>\n The announcement is part of the government\u2019s commitment to building an NHS fit for the future<\/a> by embracing technology and innovation to improve patient care and outcomes.<\/p>\n