The National Health Service has unveiled a major technological shift designed to give patients more quality time with their doctors and nurses. This initiative centres on deploying advanced artificial intelligence tools to handle clinical documentation, a move set to significantly reduce administrative burdens.
How AI Scribes Will Transform the Consultation Room
On 16 January 2026, NHS England launched a new national registry featuring 19 approved technology suppliers. These suppliers offer what are known as ambient voice technologies. During a consultation, this AI software listens to the conversation between clinician and patient, generating accurate, real-time transcriptions and clinical summaries. The NHS has confirmed these tools are secure and designed with strict data protection and clinical safety standards in mind.
Dr Alec Price-Forbes, NHS England National Chief Clinical Information Officer, emphasised the transformative potential. "The AI revolution is here and we want to arm our NHS staff with the latest technology," he stated. "AI notetaking tools will help free up more time for clinicians to focus on their patients, rather than typing up notes or looking at a screen – enhancing the quality of consultations and improving overall patient satisfaction."
Proven Results from NHS Trials
The push for adoption follows compelling evidence from real-world testing. A large-scale study led by the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust's Innovation Unit (GOSH DRIVE) evaluated the technology across nine NHS sites, analysing over 17,000 patient encounters.
The results were striking:
- A 23.5% increase in direct patient interaction time during appointments.
- An 8.2% reduction in overall appointment length when using the AI tools.
- A 13.4% increase in the number of patients seen per clinical shift.
These trials took place in a variety of settings including hospitals, GP practices, mental health services, and ambulance services, proving the technology's versatility.
The Path to an AI-Enabled Health Service
This rollout is part of a broader ambition to modernise the NHS. "We are working with NHS organisations to help them implement the technology safely and effectively," Dr Price-Forbes added, "helping to make the NHS the most AI-enabled healthcare system in the world, as we shift from analogue to digital."
Minister for Digital Government, Ian Murray, backed the initiative, highlighting its impact on public services. "AI has enormous potential to transform public services, and this is a prime example of how we can use it to make a real difference," he said. "By cutting down on admin and paperwork, we’re giving clinicians back valuable time to do what they do best – caring for patients."
The procurement and implementation of these AI notetaking systems will be managed by individual NHS trusts and bodies, following their own governance processes. This marks a significant step in using innovation to address frontline pressures and improve the experience for both staff and patients across England.
