NHS North East London, in collaboration with Health Navigator and UCLPartners, has launched a new, three-year programme, providing preventative care for patients at greatest risk of needing unplanned emergency care.

Through advanced AI screening technology, patients who can benefit most will be identified and offered targeted, personalised phone-based clinical coaching from healthcare professionals trained in delivering preventative care and self-management techniques. 

Partners estimate that the programme will save 26,673 unplanned bed days across north east London, with a potential reduction of 13,000 A&E attendances annually. 

Dr Paul Gilluley, chief medical officer at NHS North East London, said: ‘More than 15 million people in England live with one or more long-term conditions, accounting for 50% of all GP appointments, 64% of outpatient visits, and over 70% of inpatient bed days.

‘This new approach represents a landmark step in harnessing technology for preventative care to better support these patients before they reach crisis points.'

Shane DeGaris, group chief executive at Barts Health NHS Trust, added: ‘As winter approaches, the pressure on A&E services is rising. By predicting demand and providing earlier interventions, we can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the NHS.'

Waltham Forest will be the first borough to receive this new initiative through Barts Health NHS Trust and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The AI technology and clinical coaching will then be implemented throughout the rest of north east London over coming months, also benefiting patients in Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets.

Dr Chris Laing, chief executive of UCLPartners, said: ‘This project provides a template for how the NHS can use modern technology to deliver predictive, proactive and preventive care that is customised for local communities and prioritises those most in need of our help.

‘Our collaboration with Health Navigator and NHS North East London will not only enhance the lives of at-risk patients but will also relieve critical pressure on our healthcare system too, aligning with the government's prevention priority.'