In this section
Using AI responsibly to support better patient care
We use a range of digital technologies to support patient care, improve staff experience and make the best use of NHS resources. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of those technologies.
AI is already being used across healthcare and will play an increasingly important role in how health services are delivered, supported and improved. At MFT, we are committed to adopting these technologies in ways that are safe, effective and focussed on the needs of our patients. How AI is used will vary depending on the task, but patient safety, professional accountability and public trust will always come first.
As one of the largest NHS organisations in the country, MFT is also working with national partners to help shape the standards, evidence and governance that underpin their safe use. This includes a partnership with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Our approach
Putting patients first
We use AI where it has the potential to improve care, support better outcomes, enhance patient experience or create more time for direct patient care.
Supporting professional expertise
In many healthcare settings, AI can help clinicians and staff access information more efficiently, identify patterns, reduce administrative burden or support decision-making. For example, AI tools are supporting clinicians as a ‘second pair of eyes’ to interpret chest X-rays at MFT, ensuring patients can start treatment faster. Where AI is used in clinical care, appropriately qualified healthcare professionals remain responsible and accountable for every decision affecting our patients.
Safety and effectiveness
Before introducing AI-enabled technologies, we consider the evidence for their use, the benefits they may bring to patients and staff, and any potential risks. We only use AI where there is a clear purpose, appropriate safeguards and confidence that it can deliver meaningful improvements in care, experience or efficiency.
Privacy and information security
Patient information remains protected in line with NHS standards, legal requirements and our information governance responsibilities. Any use of AI must meet our requirements for privacy, confidentiality and security.
Fairness and inclusion
We recognise that AI systems can introduce bias if not designed, implemented and monitored carefully. We consider equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the assessment and deployment of AI-enabled technologies.
Transparency
We are committed to being open about how AI is used within our organisation and helping patients, staff and partners understand the role these technologies play. You can see find out more about the areas where AI is used at MFT in the table below.
Sustainability
While AI has significant potential to benefit healthcare delivery, we recognise that its supporting infrastructure has an impact on energy consumption. Our role is to balance efficiency and productivity with long-term sustainability, inclusivity and people-centred care.
MFT was one of the first Trusts to declare a climate emergency in 2019. We remain committed to meeting net zero carbon emissions in line with regional and national NHS expectations. The MFT Green Plan lays out our detailed commitments and objectives across all areas of trust activity.
Suppliers are expected to meet the requirements of the NHS Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and work with the trust to deliver a range of social value commitments as part of their contracts.
What guides our use of AI?
Every potential use of AI should demonstrate clear benefit and align with our responsibilities as a public healthcare organisation. When considering new AI technologies, we will seek to understand:
- How they improve patient care, experience or outcomes.
- Whether they are safe, effective and evidence based.
- How patient information will be protected.
- What level of human oversight is required.
- Whether there are any risks relating to fairness, inclusion or bias.
- Their impact on staff, services and the wider healthcare system.
- Their environmental and financial impacts.
AI technology is evolving rapidly. As new opportunities emerge, MFT will continue to take a responsible and evidence-based approach, ensuring that innovation is balanced with appropriate governance, transparency and public trust. Whatever the technology, our commitment to safe, compassionate and high-quality care remains the same.
Shaping the future of AI in healthcare
As one of the largest NHS organisations in the country, we are helping to shape how these technologies are assessed, governed and used across healthcare. MFT has entered into a strategic partnership with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to establish a regulatory ‘sandbox’ environment for innovation. This will enable emerging technologies, including AI-enabled healthcare solutions, to be tested and evaluated in real-world NHS settings under appropriate governance, oversight and evidence-generation frameworks. The aim is to ensure we bring innovative technologies and life-changing treatments to patients sooner, putting patient safety first.