The NHS AI trial is set to transform emergency medical care across the United Kingdom by introducing artificial intelligence technology that can detect fractures and dislocations significantly faster than traditional methods. This two-year pilot project, led by NHS England, will begin later this month in the emergency departments of the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.
Abdul Khan, a consultant in emergency medicine at the trust, said, “Making use of AI technology to assist in identifying potential issues has been shown to help meet growing demand across northern Europe, and we are excited to see if it has a similar impact here.”
How the AI System Will Work
Under the NHS AI trial, patients undergoing X-rays in participating emergency departments will receive both a standard image and an AI-generated annotated image. The annotated version will highlight potential fractures or abnormalities within seconds, giving clinicians an immediate indication of areas that may require closer examination.
The trust confirmed that the technology will serve solely as an assistive tool. All diagnoses will continue to be made by clinicians. The AI system will not provide final interpretations but will instead act as a second layer of review.
Jake Bates, an advanced practitioner reporting radiographer at the trust, said the dual-image system is designed to support, not replace, clinical expertise. “Alongside the standard image, the patient record will contain a near-instant AI annotated version which highlights any potential issues,” he explained. “Every X-ray will still be examined by our clinicians, and they will make the final decision regarding diagnosis and treatment.”
Where the Technology Will Not Be Used
The trust confirmed that the AI tool will not be applied in:
- Patients under two years old
- Inpatient or outpatient clinic imaging
- Chest, spine, skull, facial, or soft tissue imaging
The pilot will run across hospitals in Scunthorpe, Grimsby, and Goole.
This initiative marks an important step in integrating AI into frontline healthcare, aiming to deliver faster, more accurate diagnosis and improve patient outcomes across NHS emergency departments.