New AI technology that could help write the documents that are needed to discharge people from hospital could get patients home more quickly and free up beds on busy wards.
It is hoped the technology will help cut waiting lists by giving frontline staff time to handle other tasks.
The technology is currently being developed at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust, and is one of many projects to receive backing from the Prime Minister as part of the AI Exemplars programme.
Using a large language model, the tool could help doctors to draft discharge documents faster by extracting key details from medical records, such as diagnoses and test results. After review from a medical expert responsible for the patient, these documents are then used to discharge a patient from a ward and refer them to other care services that may be needed.
Speaking on a visit to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "This is exactly the kind of change we need: AI being used to give doctors, probation officers and other key workers more time to focus on delivering better outcomes and speeding up vital services.
"This government inherited a public sector decimated by years of under-investment and is crying out for reform. These AI Exemplars show the best ways in which we’re using tech to build a smarter, more efficient state.
"When we get this right across government, we’re talking about unlocking £45 billion in productivity gains – delivering our Plan for Change and investing in growth not bureaucracy."
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: "This potentially transformational discharge tool is a prime example of how we’re shifting from analogue to digital as part of our 10 Year Health Plan.
"We’re using cutting-edge technology to build an NHS fit for the future and tackle the hospital backlogs that have left too many people waiting too long.
"Doctors will spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients, getting people home to their families faster and freeing up beds for those who need them most."
Meanwhile, AI is being rolled out across other part of the public sector to boost efficiency.
In planning, the 'Extract' tool will standardise data faster by converting decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data in minutes. It will power new types of planning software to slash the 250,000 estimated hours spent by planning officers each year manually checking these documents.
The AI Content Store will help make more accurate AI tools to support teachers to mark work and plan lessons.
Justice Transcribe allows probation officers to focus on the personal, and often emotive meetings with offenders, instead of having to interrupt to take notes and clarify details.
