Chris Whitehouse, a political consultant and expert on medical technology policy and regulation at Whitehouse Communications, and advisor to MedTech suppliers reports on the latest developments for promoting AI in the NHS in England.
The UK Government has announced the establishment of a National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, aimed at fast-tracking how artificial intelligence is deployed safely across the NHS in England.
The Commission will advise the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on rewriting the regulatory “rulebook” for AI in healthcare, with a new framework expected in 2026.
In its immediate work, the Commission will review AI technologies currently held back by regulatory uncertainty, such as AI assistants that help doctors take clinical notes. It will also provide clarity on AI tools in domains such as radiology, pathology and remote monitoring systems, supporting their integration into routine care. The aim of this approach is to attract technology companies to invest in development and use their latest technologies in the UK.
Chaired by Professor Alistair Denton, practising NHS clinician and head of the UK’s Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science in AI & Digital Health (CERSI-AI), and deputy chaired by the Patient Safety Commissioner Professor Henrietta Hughes, the commission brings together clinicians, patient advocates, researchers and representatives from major tech firms.
A formal call for evidence will follow, inviting input from stakeholders across the UK and internationally, helping to shape the Commission’s recommendations and address the most pressing challenges in AI regulation. Watch this space for further updates about the opportunity to feed-in ideas.
The Author used AI in preparing this article, comments upon, or questions about which can be addressed to chris.whitehouse@whitehousecomms.com.
