Health minister visits GP surgery using AI for notes

Health minister Karin Smyth recently visited St George's Surgery in Bristol to see how artificial intelligence, or AI, is being used to improve healthcare. St George's Surgery is part of the Mendip Vale Medical Group and serves nearly 14,000 patients. The surgery has started using AI to help with tasks like taking notes during appointments and drafting letters. These notes and letters are always checked by doctors or nurses before they are sent out to make sure they are accurate.

Smyth praised the surgery for using AI to make healthcare more efficient. She said that for too long, doctors and nurses have been stuck doing unnecessary paperwork, which takes time away from caring for patients. By using AI, staff can focus more on treating people and less on administrative work. In June alone, St George's Surgery booked over 9,000 appointments, and more than half of those happened on the same day the patient called. The government has a 10 Year Health Plan that aims to help more healthcare providers use technology like AI. This could free up the same amount of time as having more than 2,000 extra full-time doctors.

Andy Carpenter, the digital director for Mendip Vale Medical Group, said that general practice is busier than ever, and AI is playing a key role in helping them meet the growing demand. He explained that there are many safety measures in place to protect patients' data. Most patients see the benefits of AI and are happy for it to be used in their care. Carpenter also said that AI allows doctors to spend more time with patients in person. During her visit, Smyth also saw how AI is used for things like monitoring fridge temperatures to keep vaccines safe. She said that using AI is important for the future of healthcare, but it must always be safe and well-regulated. The government is working closely with doctors to make sure everything is done properly.