NHS Providers responds to plans to expand AI to tackle missed appointments

Responding to news that the NHS plans to roll out artificial intelligence (AI) to ten more trusts to tackle missed appointments and reduce waiting lists, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“The reasons why patients miss appointments are varied and complex, but any measures - including AI - which can help reduce last minute cancellations or ‘did not attends’ and rearrange at a time most convenient for them should be welcomed.

“Trust leaders know that investment in new technologies, such as AI, alongside funding for core IT and digital infrastructure, has the potential to offer major benefits to patients, staff and healthcare, particularly at a time when waiting lists are at a record high and the NHS workforce and frontline services are under huge pressure.

“Last week’s long overdue, but welcome Budget announcement of £3.4bn investment in digital and technology in the NHS will help transform healthcare for patients, improve access to services and free up staff time.”