A new NHS Communications AI Network was launched at an online event attended by more than 160 NHS communications leaders on 26 June. 

The network will connect staff to develop their use of AI by sharing practical insights, best practice and case studies that will help NHS organisations use AI to improve how they communicate with colleagues, patients and communities. 

Sonya Cullington, independent director, NHS Communications, told delegates: ‘The aim is to be a collaborative network of leaders and peers from various backgrounds and organisations who can connect, think and learn together. 

‘Our focus really is on the practical insights and the feedback on methods that will help you and your organisations improve how they communicate using AI with staff, patients and communities followed and following an evidence-based approach to tackling systemic issues with a shared commitment to doing so safely, inclusively and collaboratively. 

‘I am super excited, because it's been a long time coming this network.'

The launch follows a report, informed by a survey of 414 NHS communications professionals, three focus groups and desk research, which reveals that AI is beginning to reshape how NHS communications teams work and improve practice, but access to tools and skills is uneven and clearer governance is needed to ensure safe and effective adoption.

The research finds that AI is helping NHS communications teams with content creation, simplifying complex information and improving accessibility, analysing data and improving efficiency. 

The report's key findings are:

• more than half (55%) of NHS communications professionals are using AI tools, with a further 41% expressing interest in adopting them
• However, uptake is uneven, with many teams lacking access to the necessary tools or skills. Much of the current use remains informal and almost half (48%) of respondents describe themselves as being at a ‘beginner' level
• For those communications teams that are using AI, it is helping them to work faster and with greater confidence, particularly when simplifying technical language into plain English, generating first drafts or analysing feedback from patients and staff
• Human oversight remains essential to ensure accuracy, empathy and alignment with NHS values
• The research did not find any evidence of communicators using it to produce clinical or other patient-related information without the appropriate checks by professionals. AI is therefore seen as a complement and assistant to human expertise, not a replacement

The report makes a number of recommendations, which are now being taken forward by the NHS Communications AI Taskforce in partnership with the NHS Confederation, these are: 

• Robust governance: the report calls for more structured governance arrangements to ensure communicators use AI tools in the most effective ways. This will help address the informal use of AI which is widespread. 
• A national operating framework: this will set clear boundaries on acceptable use, including data input, human oversight, content review and publication. While not constituting formal NHS policy, the framework will provide guidance to local NHS organisations when developing their own AI policies. 
• Ethics framework: as AI becomes embedded in communications workflows, a strong ethical foundation is essential to retain public trust and safeguard NHS values. The Taskforce will develop an ethics framework, setting out the principles and values to guide use of AI and address key issues such as data protection, privacy, consent, fairness, transparency and human oversight. 
• Sharing best practice and training: AI can improve clarity, reduce jargon and enhance health literacy, but only when used thoughtfully and with audience needs in mind. The Taskforce will create an online innovation and training hub to support NHS communicators. It will help develop tools to support safe experimentation, including quality prompts, ethical checklists and peer feedback frameworks. 

Ranjeet Kaile, director of communications, stakeholder engagement and public affairs at South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and South East London ICB, said: ‘AI is transforming how NHS communications teams work, but we must ensure that its use is safe, equitable and aligned with our values. 

‘This report is a call to action for investment in training, governance and access to tools so that all teams – regardless of size or experience – can benefit.'