A pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to identify patient safety concerns across the NHS is set to transform healthcare delivery by enabling earlier interventions and inspections.
Developed as part of the UK Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, the world-first technology will scan NHS data to detect emerging safety issues, potentially preventing harm before it escalates.
The system will initially focus on maternity outcomes, with the launch of a Maternity Outcomes Signal System across NHS trusts scheduled for November.
This tool will utilise near real-time data to highlight higher-than-expected rates of stillbirth, neonatal death, and brain injury, enabling rapid response.
The initiative is underpinned by the NHS Federated Data Platform
Once fully operational, the AI will analyse hospital databases to identify patterns indicative of abuse, serious injuries, deaths, or other critical incidents that may otherwise go unnoticed.
When concerns are flagged, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will deploy specialist inspection teams swiftly to investigate and take necessary action, reinforcing patient safety across services.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “While most treatments in the NHS are safe, even a single lapse that puts a patient at risk is one too many. Behind every safety breach is a person - a life altered, a family devastated, sometimes by heartbreaking loss.
“Patient safety and power are at the heart of our 10 Year Health Plan. By embracing AI and introducing world-first early warning systems, we’ll spot dangerous signs sooner and launch rapid inspections before harm occurs.
“This technology will save lives, catching unsafe care before it becomes a tragedy. It’s a vital part of our commitment to move the NHS from analogue to digital, delivering better, safer care for everyone."
The system will initially focus on maternity outcomes
The initiative is underpinned by the NHS Federated Data Platform, which securely consolidates healthcare information, reducing administrative burdens and enabling clinical staff to focus more on patient care.
It forms a key part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to enhance transparency, improve the quality of care, and strengthen the voices of patients and staff.
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about patient safety following high-profile scandals in NHS mental health and maternity services.
It forms a key part of the government’s broader Plan for Change
It follows the government’s recent commitment to a rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services to provide accountability and drive urgent improvements.
Professor Meghana Pandit, Co-National Medical Director, Secondary Care, said: “The NHS in England will be the first country in the world to trial an AI-enabled warning system to flag patient safety issues, which will rapidly analyse routine hospital data and reports submitted by healthcare staff from community settings.
“The move will turbo-charge the speed and efficiency with which we identify patient safety concerns and enable us to respond rapidly to improve patient care.”