'The sky's the limit' for AI in hospitals, says health minister Stephen Kinnock during visit to Dudley
Health minister Stephen Kinnock was told how strokes could be diagnosed and treated within minutes at a Black Country hospital thanks to pioneering new AI technology.
Mr Kinnock was introduced to patient Patrick Potter, whose stroke had been diagnosed within about three minutes thanks to the new technology, during a visit to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.
He also met mother Alex Perry, 28, from Halesowen, and her five-month-old daughter Mabel, who was able to be monitored in the home thanks to the hospital's 'virtual ward' - this first of its kind in the UK - which allowed clinicians to monitor Mabel's oxygen levels remotely.
Mr Kinnock said the 'sky was the limit' for what could be achieved with rapidly developing artificial intelligence.
Dr Shaid Kausar, who treated Mr Potter for his stroke, demonstrated to the minister how doctors could now make instant diagnoses, whereas in the past they would need to wait two to three hours for a CT scan. He said it meant patients could be treated immediately.
Mr Kinnock said such technology could save lives, as every minute was crucial when treating stroke patients.
He said it demonstrated the huge strides in technology compared to a decade ago, when patient scans would have been sent to consultants by fax, and said there was no reason why this could not continue.
