Global Scans · Horizon Scanning NHS · Weekly Summary

• [New] NHS England is funding the development of an AI research platform that will be available to all NHS screening services. UKAuthority
• [New] International experts agree that more than half of all cancer patients will typically need radiotherapy, but exclusive analysis of the latest NHS data in England shows only 35% actually receive it. The Guardian
• [New] A new project led by Oxford University aims to develop a novel breathing test that could detect asthma and COPD earlier, more accurately, and closer to home - reducing pressure on the NHS and improving outcomes for patients. Quicknews
• [New] The new digital ID will be held on people's phones in the gov.uk wallet that is being developed to hold driving licences, just as millions already use the NHS App or contactless mobile payments. The Guardian
• [New] The price the NHS pays for medicines will need to rise to stop a wave of pharmaceutical investment leaving the UK. BBC News
• [New] Practical deployment frictions (NHS study) warn against overestimating near-term clinical lift from AI without governance / IT resourcing. LucidQuest Ventures
• [New] The Innovator Passport, designed to streamline the adoption of new technologies across NHS trusts, will reduce admin burdens and facilitate a more cohesive and efficient integration of effective innovations into NHS patient care. Med-Tech Insights
• [New] A study last year found that over half the UK public and nearly two thirds of NHS staff believe AI will make the relationship between patients and healthcare staff feel more distant. City AM
• [New] Moving to a more digital-focused NHS will mean 50 million fewer letters need to be sent out by the health service, saving an estimated £200m over the next three years. SKY
• The AIR-SP platform will create a centralised, secure, NHS-wide cloud environment where multiple AI tools can be tested simultaneously. UKAuthority
• The NHS holds one of the largest patient datasets globally, providing rich opportunities for AI, whilst also requiring rigorous governance to prevent misuse or errors. City AM
• A new cloud computing system will enable AI tools to be tested on an unprecedented scale across the NHS, aiming to boost early diagnosis. Innovation News Network
• The NHS has embraced the potential of robots and autonomous systems as part of a wider digital transformation strategy, including its vision for a neighbourhood health service, focusing on community-based care. Nottingham Trent University
• A hybrid model could look like the way in which abortions are carried out by separate providers such as the not-for-profit British Pregnancy Advisory Service and others, but ultimately overseen by the NHS. The Guardian
• The technologies and devices which have been evaluated to date have shown the limitless potential of AI to improve patient outcomes, free up NHS resources, and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare services. Mirage News
• The NHS App will be at the heart of a modern NHS, expanding the use of digital triage and navigation, making more information available to patients and empowering them to access appropriate care settings and treatments. GOV.UK
• Ongoing research is exploring its potential to transform treatment for other hard-to-reach tumours, including kidney and pancreatic cancers, bringing hope to even more NHS patients in the future. GOV.UK
• The United Kingdom's National Health Service plans to begin clinical trials for mRNA cancer vaccines soon. Snopes
• A new maternity AI system will launch across NHS trusts from November, using near real-time data to flag higher-than-expected rates of stillbirth, neonatal death and brain injury. Kent Online
• The NHS app will become the default method of communication for millions more patients in England and save the health service £200m over the next three years. BBC News
• The MHRA will help shape international rules for AI in healthcare - speeding up access to safe, effective technologies into the NHS and worldwide. GOV.UK

Last updated: 08 October 2025