NHS to add AI triage to its app to guide patients to appropriate services

The National Health Service (NHS) has announced that a new artificial‑intelligence (AI) triage tool will be rolled out to about 200,000 patients in England over the next year. The launch is part of a £10 billion investment aimed at modernising NHS systems and improving access to care. The AI will be integrated into the NHS App, allowing patients to receive guidance on the most appropriate service for their condition.

The system will assess symptoms entered by users and determine whether a general practitioner (GP) appointment is required, or if the patient should be directed to a pharmacy or their local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. By providing real‑time triage, the NHS hopes to reduce unnecessary GP visits and streamline patient flow to the correct care setting. The tool will be monitored closely to ensure accuracy and patient safety as it expands across the country.

If the pilot proves successful, the NHS plans to extend the AI service to a broader population, further supporting the £10 billion overhaul of digital health infrastructure. The initiative represents a significant step toward more efficient, technology‑driven patient care within the NHS.