The National Health Service (NHS) in Britain is advancing its commitment to innovation and excellence with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in patient safety protocols, particularly within maternity care. This digital shift, a core element of the British Government's Plan for Change, sets a compelling example that Ireland could learn from.
The integration of AI into NHS maternity care is a testament to the ongoing commitment to excellence in health care, providing crucial questions for the future of Irish healthcare.
World-First AI Early Warning System
A cornerstone of this transformation is the world-first AI early warning system, which launched across NHS Trusts in late 2025. This pioneering technology will:
Flag Safety Issues in Real-Time: The system will automatically scan NHS data to identify safety concerns, helping to prevent failures before they escalate and ensuring patients receive safer treatment through faster identification of problems.
Target Critical Outcomes: It will use near real-time data to flag higher than expected rates of stillbirth, neonatal death, and brain injury, critical indicators of service quality in maternity units.
This initiative aims to overhaul health and care regulation, root out poor performance and guarantee safe, quality care for patients.
At Whelan Law, we not only welcome the adoption of this revolutionary technology in Ireland to benefit patient safety, but we view its successful implementation in Britain as a clear blueprint for reform here. This AI system perfectly aligns with our advocacy for proactive patient safety, moving beyond reacting to tragedy and toward preventing it.