12/12/25
The NHS Digital Innovation Unit is an award-winning team with a proven track record of delivering scalable digital solutions. We offer mature applications, national contracts, and deep expertise in NHS governance and clinical safety. As the NHS evolves, we’re seeking a new organisation to host this ready-made innovation capability.
24/10/25
We test cars every year for roadworthiness. Shouldn’t we do the same for the AI tools guiding patient care? Following my article on Regional AI Ethics Committees, I’ve explored how we could keep NHS AI safe after deployment, through a national AI TrustMark Review that ensures every system remains accurate, fair, and transparent long after go-live.
16/10/25
The Digital Innovation Unit (DIU) has successfully renewed its certifications for the internationally recognised ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) standards for another 3 years.
11/10/25
The NHS is adopting AI at speed, transcription tools, diagnostics, triage systems, but our governance hasn’t caught up. In my latest article, I’ve outlined a working concept for Regional AI Ethics Committees (RAIECs), a way to share expertise, reduce duplication, and strengthen assurance across England. The idea is simple: seven regions, one shared framework. A single N365 portal for AI reviews and approvals Mutual recognition of decisions between regions to reduce duplication Consistent training and procurement standards Continuous post-market monitoring Without EU-style AI legislation, we need smarter governance and clearer contracts to protect clinicians, Trusts, and especially primary care. I’m now testing this concept with PPIE groups, NHS colleagues, and Health Innovation Networks and I’d really value your feedback.
27/09/25
AI in healthcare is moving fast, but the UK’s regulatory framework isn’t keeping pace. We have MHRA, NICE, ICO, CQC, HSSIB and long-standing tort law. Each plays a role, but none owns the whole picture. The result? If an AI system fails, the liability often lands on clinicians and Trusts by default. This risk is even sharper in primary care, where GP practices and pharmacies don’t have procurement or governance teams to protect them. Without a coherent national plan, the smallest providers could end up carrying the biggest risks. In Europe, the AI Act provides a clearer chain of accountability. In the UK, we’re left patching gaps with contracts and assumptions. In article 6, I map out the current UK landscape and explain why the absence of AI-specific legislation leaves the NHS and especially primary care exposed.
15/09/25
Who watches the machines? AI in the NHS is still new, so examples of failure are rare. But when they happen, they matter. The Google DeepMind & Royal Free case showed what happens when governance is weak and patients are left out of the conversation: trust collapses, and progress stalls. In my latest article I explore why oversight and governance can’t be an afterthought, and why patient and public involvement must be meaningful, not just token seats at the table. That means training, experience, and independence for all committee members, from patients to non-execs. If the NHS wants AI that is both powerful and trusted, governance is the multiplier.
05/09/25
In this article I start to dig more of the detail of why ethics as a framework is hugely important within the NHS. Bias is something we may not consider when we start to look at creating a machine learning model, or when we go out to the market to procure an AI solution, and yet it is Bias that can lead to patient harm, can reinforce health inequality and ultimately lead to a failed project.
05/09/25
We’re proud to announce that NHS Midlands & Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU), led by its Digital Innovation Unit and Digital Space have jointly won the Service Delivery Project or Initiative of the Year at the SOCTIM Awards 2025, held at the President’s Conference in Birmingham.
29/08/25
Picture this: Two AI systems are about to be deployed in the NHS. One is an internal chatbot answering staff FAQs about HR policies. The other analyses diagnostic images to flag possible cancer cases for urgent review. Should both face the same level of ethical review?
22/08/25
AI in healthcare has the potential to speed up diagnoses, free up clinicians’ time, and improve patient outcomes. But it also introduces risks we’ve never faced at this scale — from hidden bias in training data to opaque decision-making that even the developers struggle to explain.
15/08/25
The first article in John Uttley's series on AI and Ethics from a SIRO’s perspective. This time, John tackles the big question: Can NHS staff safely use free AI tools — like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini — without putting information at risk?
17/07/25
A user-friendly digital hub developed by the Digital Innovation Unit streamlines referrals and offers personalised access to the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme (DWMP), focusing on uptake by people living with obesity and related health conditions. It is believed to be the world’s first end-to-end digital pathway.
15/04/25
We’re proud to announce the launch of the new Neurodiversity Support Pathway section on the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside website.
01/05/24
Early results from the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, showing participants lose an average of 3.9 kg when they complete the 12‑week course, and even partial participants still see meaningful weight loss.
30/01/24
We’re rolling out data-driven personalised health videos sent straight to patients’ phones. They support behaviour change, self-care, and better access to services. Healthcare leaders are invited to learn more.
02/07/21
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme (DWMP) launched this week will help thousands of adults achieve a healthy weight and improve their wellbeing.
19/01/21
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust improved efficiency and safety by replacing outdated booking systems with the UBook platform. Introduced during the pandemic, it enabled streamlined room, desk, and visitor management. Staff across the Trust have welcomed the change.
