Health Minister visit Dudley hospital to see how AI is providing faster care
Stephen Kinnock visited Russells Hall Hospital today (August 12), where he spoke to staff and patients to explore how the organisation is successfully using the latest technology to help patients receive care faster.
The Minister's visit included a demonstration of the 'RapidAI' technology in the hospital's stroke unit, which speeds up the triage process for stroke patients 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, helping to deliver life-saving treatment faster.
The use of technology is part of the government's 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to shift the NHS from analogue to digital systems and share best practice across the whole NHS.
Since its implementation at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust in May 2024, AI technology has meant that patients are able to receive this diagnosis within 40–60 minutes, up to an hour faster than without the technology.
Mr Kinnock said: 'Today I visited Russells Hall Hospital to hear how patients and staff are already feeling the benefits of our work as we shift care in the NHS from analogue to digital.
'This use of AI can slash the time between someone showing symptoms of stroke to getting treatment by up to an hour – a potentially lifesaving improvement. When it comes to strokes, every second counts.
'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. The plan is all about taking the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS.
'Our Plan for Change will deliver an NHS that is fit for the future, rolling out new technologies, such as these, helping us to modernise the NHS.'
Diane Wake, Chief Executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, added: 'Using artificial intelligence is making a real difference to how quickly we can diagnose and treat patients – especially in critical areas like stroke care. It's helping our teams make faster decisions, improve outcomes, and spend more time with the people who need them most.
'Innovations like this, along with our Paediatric Virtual Ward, show how digital technology is helping us give patients the best possible care, closer to home and with less time in hospital.'
The Minister also visited the Paediatric Virtual Ward, which allows children suffering from illnesses such as asthma or RSV to receive care in the comfort of their home through digital pathways.
Patients who need monitoring but don't require acute care can return home through the virtual ward, where their family or carers can comfortably monitor and share their vitals through tablet devices that provide consistent contact with the hospital's virtual ward team.
Over the past year, the virtual ward has treated over 500 patients and saved almost 2,000 bed days.
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