AI might help the NHS—but we need to build the evidence (BMJ, 24 July 2026)

Summary

NHS England’s announcement of an accelerated rollout of AI promises a future of shorter waiting times and better care for millions of patients. With a £10bn investment over three years, this is a major programme intended to deliver around half of the commitments in the 10 year plan and to generate £41bn in total benefits. Much of the gain is expected to be delivered through a new AI triage tool on the NHS app and through AI tools based on ambient voice technology.

However, accelerated rollout of AI should be matched by transparent, credible evaluation, supported by the right infrastructure, writes Mary Dixon-Wood in this BMJ opinion piece.