BBC Newsnight interviewed consultant radiologist Dr Amrita Kumar last week about our role in an exciting artificial intelligence (AI) trial which could speed up cancer diagnoses for patients.

The six-month study, which started earlier this year, has seen us use AI technology to help clinicians triage and prioritise breast and chest scans.

The AI technology is ‘trained’ to look at scans and assess whether there is any abnormality in a matter of seconds. The AI then highlights those urgent cases to enable radiologists to prioritise them and ensure those patients get quicker access to treatment.

With thousands of scans to assess every week, a national shortage of radiologists and record waiting times for cancer treatments, Dr Kumar explained to BBC Newsnight how the new technology could potentially help ease workloads and quickly flag patients who are most in need of care,

Dr Kumar, FHFT’s clinical lead for AI, said: “The BBC interview was a great opportunity to showcase how we are leading the safe and effective implementation of AI within the NHS. It is a very exciting time for the future of AI and this trial has shown potential impact for assisting clinicians and radiologists with triaging and prioritising urgent findings, speeding up the cancer diagnosis pathway, and improving the patient journey at Frimley Health.”

The programme is set to air on BBC Newsnight during the next couple of weeks - a date will be communicated as soon as it’s confirmed.