Latest news with #NHS111Wales
North Wales Chronicle
18-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
NHS 111 Wales launches new AI-powered virtual assistant
The tool aims to improve online health advice by helping users navigate the website more easily and efficiently. The Welsh Ambulance Service, which hosts the NHS 111 Wales service, developed the assistant as part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital services. Jonny Sammut, director of digital services at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "111 prides itself on providing healthcare advice you can trust, which is why improving our digital offer is a piece of work which never stops. "We also recognise that there's a vast amount of information on the 111 website which can be tricky to navigate, especially when you're feeling unwell. "The virtual assistant helps you find answers by scanning the website for you, whether that's about a rash, sting, fever, toothache – or whatever it is that's making you feel poorly." The AI-powered assistant responds to user prompts and searches the website for relevant information, offering real-time guidance in multiple languages. Mr Sammut said: "This real-time access to health advice not only offers a more user-friendly experience but also enables people to make more informed decisions about their health. "Key to its success is feedback from the public, so we'd encourage anyone who uses the virtual assistant to spare us a moment at the end of the interaction to tell us what they thought." The Welsh Ambulance Service developed the assistant in partnership with Robotics AI and DRUID AI. Raj Sharma, vice president of sales UKI at DRUID AI, said: "At DRUID AI, we are proud to collaborate with the Welsh Ambulance Service and Robotics AI to revolutionise patient interactions with the NHS 111 Wales service. "Our AI-driven agent is designed to elevate patient experience, ensuring that individuals receive real-time health information in a seamless, intuitive manner. "This AI-powered solution not only improves the patient experience by delivering timely and personalised interactions, but also enhances operational efficiency by alleviating pressure on call centres." Russell Lawrie, chief executive of Robotics AI, said: "We are thrilled to partner with WAST and DRUID AI to deliver a transformative solution that not only improves access to healthcare information but also supports WAST's mission to provide equitable and efficient care for the Welsh population."
Rhyl Journal
18-07-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
NHS 111 Wales launches new AI-powered virtual assistant
The tool aims to improve online health advice by helping users navigate the website more easily and efficiently. The Welsh Ambulance Service, which hosts the NHS 111 Wales service, developed the assistant as part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital services. Jonny Sammut, director of digital services at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "111 prides itself on providing healthcare advice you can trust, which is why improving our digital offer is a piece of work which never stops. "We also recognise that there's a vast amount of information on the 111 website which can be tricky to navigate, especially when you're feeling unwell. "The virtual assistant helps you find answers by scanning the website for you, whether that's about a rash, sting, fever, toothache – or whatever it is that's making you feel poorly." The AI-powered assistant responds to user prompts and searches the website for relevant information, offering real-time guidance in multiple languages. Mr Sammut said: "This real-time access to health advice not only offers a more user-friendly experience but also enables people to make more informed decisions about their health. "Key to its success is feedback from the public, so we'd encourage anyone who uses the virtual assistant to spare us a moment at the end of the interaction to tell us what they thought." The Welsh Ambulance Service developed the assistant in partnership with Robotics AI and DRUID AI. Raj Sharma, vice president of sales UKI at DRUID AI, said: "At DRUID AI, we are proud to collaborate with the Welsh Ambulance Service and Robotics AI to revolutionise patient interactions with the NHS 111 Wales service. "Our AI-driven agent is designed to elevate patient experience, ensuring that individuals receive real-time health information in a seamless, intuitive manner. "This AI-powered solution not only improves the patient experience by delivering timely and personalised interactions, but also enhances operational efficiency by alleviating pressure on call centres." Russell Lawrie, chief executive of Robotics AI, said: "We are thrilled to partner with WAST and DRUID AI to deliver a transformative solution that not only improves access to healthcare information but also supports WAST's mission to provide equitable and efficient care for the Welsh population."
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
NHS 111 Wales launches new AI-powered virtual assistant
The tool aims to improve online health advice by helping users navigate the website more easily and efficiently. The Welsh Ambulance Service, which hosts the NHS 111 Wales service, developed the assistant as part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital services. Jonny Sammut, director of digital services at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: "111 prides itself on providing healthcare advice you can trust, which is why improving our digital offer is a piece of work which never stops. "We also recognise that there's a vast amount of information on the 111 website which can be tricky to navigate, especially when you're feeling unwell. "The virtual assistant helps you find answers by scanning the website for you, whether that's about a rash, sting, fever, toothache – or whatever it is that's making you feel poorly." The AI-powered assistant responds to user prompts and searches the website for relevant information, offering real-time guidance in multiple languages. Mr Sammut said: "This real-time access to health advice not only offers a more user-friendly experience but also enables people to make more informed decisions about their health. "Key to its success is feedback from the public, so we'd encourage anyone who uses the virtual assistant to spare us a moment at the end of the interaction to tell us what they thought." The Welsh Ambulance Service developed the assistant in partnership with Robotics AI and DRUID AI. READ MORE: Odds-on that Wrexham's Tomasi was going to win a national competition! Raj Sharma, vice president of sales UKI at DRUID AI, said: "At DRUID AI, we are proud to collaborate with the Welsh Ambulance Service and Robotics AI to revolutionise patient interactions with the NHS 111 Wales service. "Our AI-driven agent is designed to elevate patient experience, ensuring that individuals receive real-time health information in a seamless, intuitive manner. "This AI-powered solution not only improves the patient experience by delivering timely and personalised interactions, but also enhances operational efficiency by alleviating pressure on call centres." Russell Lawrie, chief executive of Robotics AI, said: "We are thrilled to partner with WAST and DRUID AI to deliver a transformative solution that not only improves access to healthcare information but also supports WAST's mission to provide equitable and efficient care for the Welsh population."
Powys County Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Air Ambulance called as child was unwell at Powys hospital
THE Wales Air Ambulance was called out when a child reported as being unwell at a Powys hospital this week. It is believed that the child was suffering with heat exhaustion and dehydration and had attended Brecon War Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, July 8. Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) sending out a warning that in the event of someone feeling seriously unwell, it is always advisable to phone 999 rather than visit a community hospital. 'I can confirm the Wales Air Ambulance attended an incident in the Brecon area on Tuesday, July 8,' said a spokesperson for the Wales Air Ambulance charity. 'Our Dafen-based crew were allocated at 3.58pm and arrived at the scene, via air, at 4.24pm. Our involvement concluded at 7.33pm.' A PTHB spokesperson said: 'In a health emergency it is really important to avoid unnecessary delay. 'So, if your child is seriously unwell or seriously injured, please call 999. 'For illnesses that are not as serious, please use the NHS 111 Wales Symptom Checker or make an appointment with your GP. Or call NHS Direct Wales 111 if you are unsure about what to do. 'Adults and children age 2 and over with minor injuries (such as sprains, cuts or minor burns) can be seen at our minor injury units in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais. 'Powys Teaching Health Board encourages patients to phone first for Minor Injury Unit wherever possible, so that they can provide telephone advice including directing you to an alternative service if your injury cannot be treated in a Minor Injury Unit setting.' You can visit a Powys Teaching Health Board Minor Injury Unit for: • Broken bones (fractures) • Dislocations, sprains and strains • Wounds and minor burns • Simple insect stings without complications • Insect, animal and human bites • Foreign bodies to eyes, ears and nose • Head or face injuries (if there is no loss or change in level of consciousness) • Non-penetrating eye and ear injuries • Minor injuries Minor Injury Units cannot treat: • Colds, coughs, sore throats, earache, rashes, temperatures • Illness/minor illness • Urinary infections, cystitis or catheter problems • Dental problems • Accident with injury to abdomen/stomach • Abdominal pain • Chest pain • Collapse • Breathing problems • Stroke • Overdose and poisoning • Painful limbs, joints or backs (not caused by an injury) • Skin complaints including boils and rashes • Loss of consciousness
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Major Welsh health board issues A&E warning
Major Welsh health board issues A&E warning Significant pressure across the health care system is having an impact on waiting times at Wales' largest hospital The hospital are facing an increased amount of patients (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE ) A busy Welsh hospital has asked the public to only attend the hospital's emergency unit if it is an emergency as they experience a high number of patients. The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board put a public plea out as the University Hospital of Wales remains very busy, resulting in longer waiting times for treatments. The pressure on the health care system across Wales has resulted in a high number of patients within the hospital as well as fewer people being discharged at the normal rate. The health board has asked the people of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to check their symptoms via the NHS 111 website if they are unsure of them as the emergency unit sustains significant pressure. A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "We are currently experiencing significant pressure across our healthcare system which is having an impact on waiting times in the Emergency Unit and patient flow through the hospital. "This pressure has been driven by a combination of factors, including a high number of people requiring hospital admission via ambulance and a lower-than-normal amount of people being discharged from hospital. Article continues below "We are working closely with colleagues and Health Board partners to ensure we can continue to provide safe and effective care to those who need us most. "We would continue to urge the public to think about the alternatives to the Emergency Unit if your condition does not require emergency care, including NHS 111 Wales and local Primary Care services. "The NHS 111 Wales website has a wealth of information on different health conditions, and a symptom checker to help patients make informed decisions. "You can also call 111 to access Barry Minor Injuries Unit, urgent care and Out-of-Hours. "Your Primary Care team in the community could also support. Each member of the primary care team has skills and expertise in different areas, enabling you to get the right support, from the right healthcare professional, first time. "Thank you for your patience and cooperation at this time." Article continues below
