Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

AI in the NHS

Wednesday 17 April 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions focus on increasing AI use in the NHS in an ethical manner.
  • Government works cross-departmentally to ensure clinical scientists gain AI skills.
  • Brainomix AI tool is used in 37 NHS trusts, improving patient outcomes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Maggie Throup Con
NHS Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from the need to enhance medical diagnostics through technological advancements and ensure ethical, safe deployment of AI.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on increasing the use of AI in the NHS?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology closely engages with all Departments on the adoption of AI, including the Department of Health and Social Care. We are committed to ensuring that the adoption of AI is done in an ethical, safe and responsible way. That includes using AI to improve public service outcomes and productivity in the NHS. Ahead of the AI Safety Summit last year, we announced a new AI in healthcare fund, backed by £100 million, to target areas where the rapid deployment of AI could create transformational breakthroughs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specifically mention recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

How: We Are Committed To Ensuring That The Adoption Of Ai Is Done In An Ethical, Safe And Responsible Way.

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Q2 Maggie Throup Con
NHS Science & Technology
Context

The question follows from the previous inquiry about discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care. It highlights the importance of ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately trained to utilise AI technologies effectively.

Question

What discussions is he having with colleagues from the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that the next generation of clinical scientists, including radiologists and pathologists, gain the right skills to make full use of AI?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

Ensuring that the UK's life sciences sector can grow and access the variety of skills it needs to support innovation, including the adoption of AI, is a key commitment of the life sciences vision. To deliver that we are working cross-Government, including with the Department for Education and DHSC, industry and academia, to ensure that our ecosystem can deliver and attract interdisciplinary talent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specifically mention discussions about training clinical scientists in AI skills.

How: To Deliver That We Are Working Cross-Government

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Q3 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
NHS Science & Technology
Context

The question addresses the need for a strategic approach to integrating AI into healthcare services, highlighting opportunities beyond diagnostics and productivity gains.

Question

How is the Minister setting out a strategic plan for how AI can be invested in the NHS for the future?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

One great example of that is Brainomix, which is already being used in 37 NHS healthcare trusts. It means that the in/out time has been greatly reduced, and three times more people who previously would have not been able to live independently are now able to do so because of the use of AI.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide any strategic plans for AI investment but gives an example of a successful application.

How: One Great Example Of That Is Brainomix, Which Is Already Being Used In 37 Nhs Healthcare Trusts.

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