Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital uses AI to help stroke patients
Mr Potter's scan was sent straight to his consultant's mobile phone, resulting in quicker diagnosis and treatment - and with a stroke, doctors say every minute counts.The 62-year-old said the technology was "absolutely brilliant"."I don't know to what extent or what damage it would have done to my brain," he said."Initially I was terrified because I've never had anything happen like that before, but within a few days [I was told] it looks like it'll be able to recover and you'll be okay."
While visiting the hospital on Tuesday, Kinnock said: "Within seconds of the scan taking place, the consultants are able to see exactly what the issue is in terms of what has caused the stroke."That speed of information is then shared through an app with all the relevant consultants, the quicker they get the diagnosis, the quicker they can decide what treatment is required."He added: "This use of AI can slash the time between someone showing symptoms of stroke to getting treatment by up to an hour – a potentially life-saving improvement. When it comes to strokes, every second counts."
Diagnosis within an hour
The technology speeds up the triage process by providing instant access to diagnostic imaging, accompanied by preliminary reports for clinicians to quickly verify and act upon – significantly improving response times and outcomes.The technology also flags suspected strokes in patients that may not show traditional clinical signs, such as speech problems or a droopy face or eye.It means patients can receive potentially life-saving treatments earlier.Since its implementation at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust in May 2024, the technology has meant patients were able to be diagnosed within 40-60 minutes, which is up to 1 hour faster than diagnoses without AI.
The government is planning to roll out the use of AI across the country as part of the NHS's shift from analogue to digital systems, a 10-year plan called the Plan for Change. Kinnock said: "Artificial intelligence and digital tech are central to our 10 year health plan, helping patients be seen faster to improve outcomes so they can get home sooner."
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
44 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney to take leave of absence from role after health diagnosis
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney is to temporarily step away from her role to undergo treatment for cancer. Tierney's diagnosis means health, understandably, is her top priority. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and director of rugby Dave Reddin will step up to lead the organisation. They will do so at a crucial time for the game in Wales with a decision on a likely reduction of the number of the country's domestic teams set to be made in the coming months. Tierney's time away from the WRU will begin from August 22. 'This has not been an easy decision, but it is one I must make to focus fully on my health and recovery,' she said. 'I am grateful for the support I have already received from my family, friends and colleagues and I am confident in the team's ability to continue our work during my absence. I kindly ask for understanding and privacy during this time.' Tierney had been leading the imminent consultation period over the future of the professional game in Wales – one which is set to define how Welsh rugby looks moving forward. As such, she steps away at a key time. However, her decision is entirely the right one. Collier-Keywood said: 'I, together with the whole of the board and everyone involved with Welsh rugby, wish Abi well over this period. 'The WRU is committed to supporting her during this time. 'In my role as chair, I will continue to have overall responsibility for the WRU and in order to provide cover and give Abi the space she needs, will be more involved in the immediate future. 'Abi and the board have recruited a strong executive team which will continue to lead the WRU on a day-to-day basis. 'The most important topic on our agenda right now is the consultation on the future of elite rugby in Wales. 'This will be led by our director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin as a member of the executive and I will take overall responsibility for its successful delivery.'
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Aberdeen University study to probe link between anorexia and autism
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen are seeking volunteers from the autistic community to undergo a brain scan with the aim of better understanding the relationship between brain structure, eating disorder symptoms and autistic 'masking' behaviour. Masking is a behaviour exhibited by autistic individuals, where specific behaviours are consciously or unconsciously concealed to fit into social situations normally, or to avoid negative responses from others. However, masking, particularly as a long-term strategy, can produce negative effects on autistic people's mental health and well-being. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness and potential harms of traditional eating disorder treatments for the autistic community, leading to calls to develop new autistic-affirming approaches to eating disorder treatments. Aberdeen University (Image: NQ) Autistic individuals who have a current or past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, or those who have no history of an eating disorder, are needed for the pioneering study which hopes to provide insights which can be used to better tailor future treatments. The study is being carried out and supervised by Dr Michelle Sader who is postdoctoral research fellow for the Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative (EDAC) at the University of Aberdeen. EDAC is a UK-wide collaborative network seeking to bridge the gap between autism and eating disorders research through a lived experience lens. Dr Sader said: 'In our previous work, autistic collaborators highlighted the importance of investigating how masking behaviour relates to eating disorder development or maintenance in autistic people. 'Taking part in this research would not only help us understand what regions of the brain may be associated with autistic masking, but also whether masking is differently associated with, or plays a different role in autistic individuals with an eating disorder. Dr Sader added: 'Around 27 per cent of autistic people display symptoms of eating disorders, and individuals with more autistic characteristics tend to experience more severe eating disorder symptoms. 'There is a significant overlap between autism and eating disorders which is not yet fully understood, and we need to change that. 'By taking part, volunteers will be helping shape a future with more appropriate and effective support for autistic individuals.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Bizarre hack could help banish painful leg cramps, top medic claims - could YOU stomach it?
It is an incredibly painful problem that troubles even the most experienced of runners and athletes—leg muscle cramps. But there could be a simple solution—drinking pickle juice, revealed NHS GP Dr Sooj, in a video recently posted on TikTok to his 250,000 followers. The peculiar sounding trick has been used by professional footballers like Newcastle star Kieran Trippier, who was previously seen drinking a sachet of the juice. Similarly, ex-Arsenal star Lucas Torreira was spotted drinking pickle juice during his side's win over Chelsea in 2019. It has even been used by the Lionesses who reportedly stocked up on pickle juice for their Euro 2024 campaign. While it is a simple hack Dr Sooj said 'athletes swear by', he added the science behind it remains unclear. He referred to a study of patients with liver cirrhosis—permanent scarring of the organ—that found pickle juice reduced the severity of muscle cramps more than water. While he added it didn't stop the muscle cramps completely, other studies have found more evidence that the remedy is in fact effective. A 2020 study in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found pickle juice to be one of the most effective foods for treating muscle cramps. This is because the salt contained in the juice can provide a key electrolyte to the body, which can ease a heavy session of sweat-related cramps. Salt is an ingredient in many in sports drinks, along with other minerals such as potassium, another element which is found in pickle juice which can help you stay hydrated for longer. Pickle juice is also packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and E, which are believed to support the immune system, as well as bolster other health functions. Vinegar, which is the main ingredient in pickling liquid, is backed by some research that suggests it could be beneficial for weight management, as it may help to control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Dr Sooj was reacting to a viral video in which a woman claimed that the bizarre hack could help with period cramps. 'It is thought drinking two to three ounces [60-85ml] of pickle juice for menstrual cramps can help because it has a high electrolyte content,' he said. These 'can help to ease muscle cramps and the vinegar may also trigger a reflex that promotes muscle relaxation and reduces pain', he explained. However he added: 'Remember the plural of anecdote is not data and there isn't much evidence that pickle juice would be helpful for menstrual cramps. 'But if you do want to give it a try make sure to do it in moderation, because the high sodium content can be risky for those with certain health conditions.' At the end of the video, he invited social media users to let him know if they've found it effective.
