Extract from Wales questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services - Mar 14

Thursday, 15 March 2018 07:56

Caroline Jones AM: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. One of the recommendations of the Cancer Research UK report is to explore the use of artificial intelligence for diagnostic tests. In January, the Reform group published a report on AI in the NHS, which highlights the potential for AI to narrow gaps in health provision. Whilst the Reform report focuses on NHS...Request free trial

Caroline Jones AM: Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. One of the recommendations of the Cancer Research UK report is to explore the use of artificial intelligence for diagnostic tests. In January, the Reform group published a report on AI in the NHS, which highlights the potential for AI to narrow gaps in health provision. Whilst the Reform report focuses on NHS England, there are lessons for us here in Wales. In addition, last week, Microsoft announced a new platform for helping healthcare providers to harness the power of AI and the cloud. Cabinet Secretary, have you or your officials considered the Reform report, and are you looking at utilising Artificial Intelligence to assist clinicians in NHS Wales?

Vaughan Gething AM (Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services): There are two brief points I'd make, Llywydd. The first is that, even without Lee Waters in the room, I recognise that artificial intelligence is absolutely part of the future. It's part of today and it'll become more and more a planned part of the way in which we deliver health and care services. It should help us in assisting clinicians to make choices; it should make our pathways more efficient for the citizen as well. I think it has real potential to save resources to be reinvested within the service. So, there's no doubt about Artificial Intelligence having a larger part to play in the future of health and social care.

The second point I'd make is that we are already looking at partnerships with technology firms on a small basis to a larger basis. In the last few months, I have announced a significant partnership with Intel, who are looking to invest and have a partnership with Wales because of the way in which we've designed our system. It's an attractive place for technology businesses to want to work with the healthcare sector. I'm sure that my officials have looked at the report that you referred to in Englandâ€”I won't pretend that I've read itâ€”but I am very clear about the future role of partnerships with technology firms and the national health service that don't compromise our values, but should help us to deliver a better service now and in the future.