Shaping an NHS fit for the future: highlights from a year of innovation and improvement

AI stroke imaging: the largest real-world evaluation of its kind

A major paper on our work with Brainomix has been published this year in Lancet Digital Health. The study is the largest real-world evaluation of stroke AI imaging in the NHS. Our evaluation looked at the Brainomix 360 Stroke tool, which helps teams share high quality CT brain scans fast and identify who could benefit from thrombectomy, a life-changing but time-critical treatment. 

We analysed data from more than 450,000 patients across more than 100 NHS hospitals over five years. Use of the AI tool was linked to higher thrombectomy rates and fewer delays. The evidence supports guideline recommendations for routine use of AI imaging software in stroke pathways. 

Earlier this year UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted how AI brain imaging is transforming patients’ lives following a stroke, it is now used in all 107 stroke units in England. 

Find out more about our AI stroke imaging evaluation 

View a timeline of our work with Brainomix 

Digitising consent: improving safety and efficiency through digital transformation

Replacing paper-based consent with digital tools like Concentric has shown clear benefits across two NHS trusts. Our evaluation found that digital consent reduced time per episode by more than seven minutes at Oxford University Hospitals and saved an estimated £167,000 over three years. It also reduced lost forms, avoided cancellations and helped patients make informed decisions at home. 

The evaluation showed how digital consent improves safety, efficiency and patient experience – aligning with NHS goals for productivity, digital maturity and environmental sustainability. 

Concentric’s digital consent tool is now used in two NHS trusts, with evidence being gathered to support further adoption across the NHS. 

Find out more about our digital consent evaluation 

Hospital at home: evaluating the impact of virtual wards

Virtual wards across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West are helping people receive hospital-level care in their own homes. Our evaluation found that ‘Hospital at Home’ services prevented admissions and supported early discharge, providing more than 46,000 adult bed days in just five months. 

Emergency admissions fell by 73% for adults and 85% for children, while ambulance use dropped by almost 70%. Most patients were discharged with no new care needs. The evaluation also identified staff training and data needs to help services scale sustainably. 

By providing robust evidence, we’re helping the NHS safely embed virtual care models that shift treatment from hospital to home. 

Read the full hospital at home evaluation 

Long Covid and ME/CFS: integrating services for fairer, faster care

We worked with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) to explore how integrating Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) services could improve equity, patient experience and workforce sustainability. 

Our evaluation found that merging the two services could increase capacity by 18%, reduce waiting times and improve consistency across the region. Staff reported higher job satisfaction and better access to multidisciplinary support. 

These findings show how joined-up design supports the NHS shift from treatment to prevention, helping more people get care sooner while easing workforce pressures and supporting patients with complex conditions. 

Read the Long Covid and ME/CFS evaluation 

Looking ahead

Across every project, the common thread is collaboration – between innovators, clinicians, patients and system partners. Our evaluations build evidence for what works, helping colleagues in the NHS to adopt proven solutions more quickly and confidently. 

If you’re developing a new health technology, service model or pathway, and want to understand its real-world impact, we can help.