🏥 Healthcare

NHS AI Notetaking Revolution: 23.5% Surge in Patient Interaction as Framework Takes Effect

📅 2026-01-21 ⏱️ 8 min 🌍 UK Healthcare
NHS England's new AI scribing framework shows remarkable early results with 23.5% increase in direct patient interaction time and 8.2% reduction in appointment length, as Great Ormond Street Hospital study validates AI notetaking across 17,000 patient encounters nationwide.

NHS England's ambitious AI transformation is delivering unprecedented results, with new data revealing how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the doctor-patient relationship across the UK's healthcare system.

23.5%
Increase in Direct Patient Interaction Time

A comprehensive study conducted by Great Ormond Street Hospital has validated the transformative impact of AI notetaking technology across the NHS, analysing over 17,000 patient encounters at 9 NHS sites throughout 2025 and early 2026.

Revolutionary Results from NHS AI Framework

The NHS England self-certified registry for AI notetaking technology, published on Friday 16th January 2026, has created a standardised framework requiring suppliers to comply with rigorous standards covering clinical safety, technology infrastructure, and data protection protocols.

Key findings from the Great Ormond Street Hospital evaluation reveal:

8.2%
Reduction in Overall Appointment Length

This efficiency gain allows NHS practitioners to see more patients whilst maintaining higher quality care standards, directly addressing the healthcare capacity crisis that has plagued the system for decades.

MHRA Regulatory Leadership

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched its groundbreaking "Call for Evidence" on 18th December 2025, seeking comprehensive input from the public, clinicians, and industry stakeholders regarding AI regulation in healthcare settings.

"The MHRA's proactive approach to AI regulation represents a pivotal moment for healthcare technology in the UK. We're not just keeping pace with innovation—we're setting the global standard for responsible AI deployment in medical settings."
— NHS Digital Transformation Lead

The regulatory consultation period extends until 2nd February 2026, with submissions informing a comprehensive framework for AI medical device regulation scheduled for publication later this year.

National Commission Driving Innovation

The National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, established in September 2025, brings together global AI experts, clinicians, and regulators alongside technology giants including Google and Microsoft to accelerate AI adoption whilst ensuring patient safety.

This collaborative approach is designed to overcome traditional regulatory bottlenecks that have historically slowed healthcare innovation adoption in the UK.

AI Growth Lab Initiative

The Technology Secretary's AI regulation blueprint, announced on 21st October 2025, introduces AI Growth Labs where companies can test new AI products under relaxed regulatory conditions with strict supervision.

These labs will enable:

  • Time-critical medical delivery testing for NHS applications
  • Automated delivery device trials for NHS and public services
  • Real-world AI product validation in controlled environments

Current Implementation Status

Despite remarkable progress, public sentiment regarding AI in healthcare remains divided. Currently, only 21% of UK businesses actively utilise AI technology, highlighting the substantial growth potential ahead.

Phase 2 of the NHS AI Airlock programme encompasses seven distinct technologies spanning:

  • Clinical note-taking automation systems
  • Advanced cancer diagnostic tools
  • Eye disease detection and monitoring platforms

Future Outlook

The NHS's systematic approach to AI integration represents a carefully orchestrated transformation that balances innovation with patient safety. The combination of proven clinical benefits, robust regulatory frameworks, and collaborative industry partnerships positions the UK as a global leader in healthcare AI deployment.

As AI scribing technology becomes standard practice across NHS trusts, the 23.5% increase in patient interaction time could translate to millions of additional quality care minutes annually, fundamentally enhancing the patient experience whilst improving operational efficiency.

📖 Read Original NHS Report