U.K. – The UK government has initiated a £150 million (US $185 million) procurement campaign to introduce advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into the National Health Service (NHS).
The program targets areas such as medical imaging, predictive analytics, and research and development (R&D).
A request for information, published by the NHS procurement division, outlines six specific AI projects—or “lots”—and invites bidders to submit proposals by 21st February at 4:00 AM GMT.
This initiative is part of a broader government effort to modernize the NHS and other public services by streamlining operations, enhancing data sharing, and cutting costs, including consultant fees.
It also follows the launch of the AI Opportunities Action Plan earlier this month, which the government claims has already attracted over £14 billion (US $17.2 billion) in investments.
The first AI project focuses on radiology and diagnostic imaging, specifically technologies like AI algorithms and deep learning models designed to expedite diagnoses in critical areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurology.
The second lot is dedicated to pathology, aiming to deploy AI tools that assist in disease diagnosis and early detection using samples like digital slides from biopsies, blood, tissue, cells, and bone marrow.
These tools can identify patterns undetectable in traditional clinical or laboratory settings.
The third project involves predictive analytics, which seeks to forecast patient admissions in the coming days or weeks, enabling the NHS to optimize staffing and resource allocation.
It also includes tools to predict missed appointments due to factors like weather, traffic, or patient history.
The fourth lot emphasizes digital tools for R&D, particularly in drug discovery and clinical trials.
AI technologies will be used to analyze large datasets to identify drug candidates, design clinical trials, and match NHS patients to appropriate studies.
The fifth project, titled “operational efficiency,” focuses on improving hospital resource management, including bed availability and staff allocation, to address record-high waiting times.
It also targets supply chain optimization for medical supplies and medications to reduce waste.
Lastly, the sixth lot is dedicated to consultancy services, which will assess areas where AI can provide the most value and train NHS staff to implement these innovations effectively.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the transformative potential of these plans, stating, “We are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age. We’ve already set out plans to transform the NHS App so patients can choose providers and book appointments, and we’re harnessing artificial intelligence to deliver faster and smarter care across the country.”
Streeting emphasized that embracing technological advancements could lead to significant taxpayer savings while creating a health service fit for the 21st century.