Health Minister Praises GP Surgery's Use of AI to Improve Efficiency
Health minister Karin Smyth recently visited St George's Surgery in Bristol, part of the Mendip Vale Medical Group. The surgery serves nearly 14,000 patients and has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its daily operations to automate note-taking and letter drafting. These AI-generated documents are reviewed by clinicians before being finalized.
Smyth highlighted the impact of reducing administrative burdens on staff, stating, "For far too long, staff have been hampered by needless administrative tasks which have held them back from doing what they do best - caring for and treating their patients."
Handling Patient Demand with AI Support
In June, St George's Surgery booked over 9,000 appointments, with more than half scheduled on the same day as the booking. The government’s 10 Year Health Plan includes support for rolling out technology like AI, aiming to free up capacity equivalent to more than 2,000 full-time GPs.
Andy Carpenter, digital director for Mendip Vale Medical Group, explained how AI and digital tools help meet increasing patient demand. He emphasized that safety protocols are in place to protect patient data. According to Carpenter, most patients recognize AI’s benefits and appreciate that it allows GPs more face-to-face time.
Other AI Applications Observed During the Visit
During her visit, Smyth also saw AI used for remote monitoring, such as checking fridge temperatures to prevent vaccine loss. She stressed the importance of safety and regulation in healthcare technology:
- "The use of AI technology is really key for the future, we have to make sure it's safe."
- "We need to make sure healthcare is always well regulated."
- "We're very actively working with clinicians to make sure we're on the right track with that."
For healthcare professionals interested in how AI can support clinical work, there are specialized courses available that focus on practical AI applications in healthcare settings. These can help teams implement technology safely and effectively. Explore relevant AI training options here.
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