NHS expands AI use – but governance remains the priority

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common feature across health and care services, with NHS organisations using AI to help reduce administrative workloads, support clinical decision-making and improve operational efficiency.

Recent guidance and announcements from NHS England make it clear that while AI adoption is accelerating, organisations remain responsible for ensuring these technologies are introduced safely, lawfully and with appropriate clinical oversight.

What’s changed?

In June 2026, NHS England announced that more than 500,000 NHS staff will receive access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, following a large-scale pilot involving over 30,000 staff across 90 NHS organisations. NHS England says the rollout aims to reduce administrative burden, giving staff more time to focus on patient care.

Alongside this expansion, NHS England has updated its information governance guidance on the use of AI, providing advice for healthcare professionals, information governance teams, patients and service users on the lawful and safe use of AI technologies.

What does this mean for providers?

Whether you’re an NHS organisation, GP practice, care provider or independent healthcare organisation, introducing AI is about far more than choosing the right technology.

Current NHS guidance highlights the importance of:

• ensuring appropriate information governance arrangements are in place
• protecting patient confidentiality and personal data
• maintaining human oversight of AI-generated outputs
• understanding the risks and limitations of AI systems
• ensuring staff are appropriately trained before implementation.

Importantly, AI is intended to support professionals—not replace clinical judgement or organisational accountability. Healthcare providers remain responsible for the quality and safety of the care they deliver, regardless of whether AI tools are used to assist staff.

Looking ahead

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve. The UK’s National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare is expected to publish recommendations on the future regulation of AI later this year, with the aim of ensuring innovation is balanced with patient safety and public confidence.

What providers should do now

Healthcare organisations considering AI should:

• Review NHS England’s latest AI information governance guidance.
• Ensure any AI products are subject to appropriate governance and risk assessment before implementation.
• Provide staff with training on the safe and appropriate use of AI.
• Keep local policies under review as national guidance continues to develop.

Further reading

Useful resources include:

• NHS England – Artificial intelligence guidance for health and care
• NHS England – AI and Machine Learning guidance
• NHS England – AI Knowledge Repository
• NHS AI and Digital Regulations Service
• MHRA – National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare

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