Autumn Budget 2024 – additional funding is coming to the NHS! But with winter approaching, we know the challenges are far from over. Investing smartly in technology has been highlighted as a key way for the NHS to achieve real cost savings. In fact, the budget includes over £2 billion for NHS technology and digital improvements to increase productivity and save staff time. So, where to start?
1. Reducing Waiting Lists: Supporting Labour’s 18-Week Wait Target
A central priority for the NHS is reducing waiting times for patients.. Labour’s 18-week wait target and its aim to support “the NHS to deliver an extra 40,000 elective appointments a week1” aligns perfectly with EBO’s mission. EBO’s patient validation automation tool is designed to streamline administrative processes, speeding up patient access and ensuring that patients receive timely care. By automating routine tasks, you can reduce the burden on administrative staff and improve the overall patient experience.
2. Infrastructure Upgrades: Optimising Patient Flow and Scheduling
With £1.5 billion to fund new surgical hubs and a new focus on infrastructure improvements, there’s never been a better time to implement AI solutions to enhance patient flow and optimise appointment scheduling. With an Automated Appointment Management product you can effectively manage appointments and reduce no-shows, without the need for manual intervention. Here’s an example of how we automated appointment management for Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust.
3. Planning for the Future: Aligning with the 10-Year NHS Plan
The NHS’s new 10-Year Plan aims to create a sustainable and efficient healthcare system, one that aims to “fix the NHS”. At EBO, we envision AI as a fundamental tool that will reshape healthcare processes for years to come, adapting to new challenges and driving efficiency. Watch EBO’s 10-year vision for health tech here.
4. Meeting Current Challenges: Preparing for Peak Winter Pressures
While this increased funding is promising, existing challenges remain, especially with peak winter pressures approaching. The NHS needs solutions that can be implemented quickly to ensure staff and resources are winter-ready. EBO’s AI Automation tools can be deployed in under six weeks, making it an ideal choice for Trusts or health boards preparing for seasonal surges. These tools offer real-time relief, freeing up workforce capacity and ensuring that healthcare professionals can focus on what matters most—patient care.
“As we look forward to 2030 and the transformation of the NHS into a more patient-centered healthcare system, it’s crucial to recognize AI’s pivotal role. With a commitment to fostering trust, EBO’s vision is to provide choices for patients, help them access the NHS whilst also aleviate burden for the NHS workforce,” Dr. Gatt Gatt, EBO, CEO.
Embracing AI for a Smarter, More Efficient NHS
AI is not just about efficiency; it’s about creating a more resilient, responsive healthcare system. By embracing AI solutions, the NHS can reduce administrative load, improve patient experiences, and save millions in costs. Now is the time to invest in AI and prepare the healthcare system for a sustainable, patient-focused future.
Download EBO’s AI for healthcare brochure to find out more or contact us directly here.