The UK government has announced plans to position the country as a leader in artificial intelligence. The AI Opportunities Action Plan, published on 13th January 2025, outlines initiatives such as a £21 million AI Diagnostics Fund, aimed at advancing key areas like healthcare, diagnostics, and professional services.
Highlighting the practical applications of AI in healthcare, the plan states:
“Assessment and diagnosis can be improved through the use of AI. For example, through the £21 million AI Diagnostics Fund, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) is supporting the deployment of technologies in key, high-demand areas such as chest X-rays and chest CT scans to enable faster diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in over half of acute trusts in England. Assessments can be done better, cheaper, and more quickly across multiple sectors.”
The government’s strategy also highlights AI’s potential to improve efficiencies, including reducing document production times by up to 80% and supporting clinicians in streamlining patient care processes.
The Artificial Intelligence: Learning from the Practical Application of AI in Diagnosis & Decision support conference, taking place virtually on Wednesday 6th March 2025, will bring together experts and practitioners to examine how AI is reshaping patient care, diagnostics, and healthcare delivery.
Find out more: UK Government Press Release
