Global Scans · Horizon Scanning NHS · Weekly Summary

• [New] Thousands of women battling advanced breast cancer could be denied access to crucial life-extending medication due to an unfair assessment process for NHS drug approval. The Independent
• Collaboration between various sectors of the NHS, social care and other parts of integrated care systems such as education, local government and emergency services are fundamental to producing resilient systems that will be dependable and accessible when they are most needed. PubMed Central (PMC)
• NHS England is fast-tracking an mRNA vaccine trial for advanced head and neck cancer, offering new hope for patients. Innovation News Network
• Individuals diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis will be entitled to access fertility preservation services through the NHS, including the collection and storage of oocytes (egg cells). Lockton
• With other unions representing staff across the UK voicing increasing disquiet over pay, and resident doctors threatening to strike until January, it could result in the NHS in different parts of Britain being hit by an autumn or winter of disruption. The Guardian
• Frustrated patients will no longer have to face a postcode lottery for lifesaving products to be introduced in their area, and companies will be able to get their technology used across the NHS more easily, creating a health service fit for future under the Plan for Change. / UK GOV.UK
• International recruitment to the NHS will be reduced to under 10% by 2035. British Medical Association
• £100 million has been spread across 132 projects at 78 NHS trusts in England, covering around 200 sites, enabling solar investment that will slash energy bills, make the NHS more energy-efficient and resilient, and lower carbon emissions. NHS SBS
• The fight against obesity will save the NHS five billion pounds a year. BBC News
• 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. Kent Online
• The British National Health Service is increasingly integrating coproduction approaches into its health system - including but not limited to the mental health system - and could serve as a model. PubMed Central (PMC)
• Internationally, In the UK, the National Health Service spearheads digital health and care, providing significant innovation opportunities through vast data management. PubMed Central (PMC)
• Without 'greater efforts to reduce unsafe levels of air pollution, rates of asthma exacerbations will remain high', the RCGP warned which places greater strain on general practice and NHS services and in addition to worsening patients' health. Pulse Today
• The British government is increasing investment in charging: an additional £63 million will go towards grants for home chargers for households without driveways, the installation of thousands of charge points at business sites, and electrifying the National Health Service fleet. electrive.com
• Researchers are developing a cutting-edge blood test that measures clot formation and breakdown from a single sample, which has the potential to improve patient treatment and reduce pressure on the NHS. Biomedical Scientist
• There is a clear expectation that the next generation of NHS professionals will be AI-literate and digitally confident. Policy Connect
• Healthcare is arguably the most vital area where AI is making significant strides - and now England's National Health Service is embracing its potential. Bizclik Media Ltd
• The NHS has identified five transformative technologies - data, AI, genomics, wearables and robotics - that will personalise care, improve outcomes, increase productivity and boost economic growth. Bizclik Media Ltd
• New 'innovator passports' will slash red tape so cutting-edge tech and treatments can be rolled out across the NHS quicker under the 10 Year Health Plan. GOV.UK
• Digital technologies such as digital medicine, genomics, artificial intelligence, and robotics have an immense potential to transform the delivery of healthcare and NHS organizations. HFMA
• CQC will shift towards a new data-led model, includes expanding the CQC's access to data, including via new statutory powers to access all NHS and publicly held datasets relating directly or indirectly to care quality. NHS Confederation
• By 2028, remote monitoring for cardiovascular disease will be standard NHS care. NHS Confederation

Last updated: 27 August 2025