Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE
Former Minister of State, Departmentof Health and Social Care
Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents one of the most exciting and significant opportunities
for the future of healthcare in the UK. The acceleration of AI technologies in recent years
has created a moment where ambition must meet action. Drawing on insights from
parliamentarians, innovators, academics, clinicians, and leaders across the healthcare and
technology sectors, this report reflects on a comprehensive and dynamic discussion hosted by
trade association for the AI economy in the UK, UKAI, and independent policy institute, Curia at the
House of Lords.
The roundtable was designed to explore, with honesty and rigour, the barriers to the widespread
adoption of AI within healthcare systems, to celebrate success stories, and, critically, to craft clear,
strategic policy recommendations. As the participants demonstrated through vivid case studies
and frank debate, AI is already beginning to reshape parts of the NHS, primary care, social care, and
preventative medicine.
However, without decisive, co-ordinated action, the opportunity risks being lost to the complexity of the system, to cultural inertia, or to international competitors moving faster.
Joining former Life Sciences Minister and now Shadow Health Minister, Lord Syed Kamall and
roundtable host Lord Graham Evans, and members of both UKAI and Curia the tone was set early:
AI must be embedded in the health and care systems to serve patients, ease workforce pressures,
and ensure sustainability. The discussion stressed that AI is not a luxury but a necessity to meet the
demands of an ageing population, increasingly complex clinical challenges, and financial constraints.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Lord Kamall and Lord Evans for hosting the
roundtable and earlier showcase.
Alongside other speakers, CEO of Curia, Ben Howlett, and Co-Director of the NHS Innovation
Accelerator, Mindy Simon contextualised the current policy landscape: a new government, a rapidly
changing NHS structure, and the drive to operationalise ambitions through Integrated Care Systems
(ICSs) and devolved responsibilities. Recent government investments, such as the AI Diagnostic
Fund1 and the establishment of the NHS AI Lab2, were welcomed. However, participants agreed that
investment must be matched by implementation, practical support, and better alignment between
national priorities and local delivery.
Throughout the session, multiple themes emerged: the critical role of high-quality data, the need for a
simplified and accelerated procurement system, the urgent requirement for workforce development,
and the absolute importance of maintaining patient trust and ethical governance. Participants also
emphasised that AI in healthcare is not solely about hospitals; it must extend into primary care, public
health, social care, and even preventative interventions at a societal level.
The testimonies shared by innovators working across diagnostics, documentation, patient
engagement, and decision support systems painted a compelling picture of both the possibilities and
the obstacles. Despite successes, many innovators described difficulties in scaling pilots, accessing
funding, overcoming procurement bureaucracy, and navigating regulatory complexity.
Discussions also reflected an acute awareness that AI in healthcare demands new ways of working.
It is not simply a matter of purchasing new technology; often entire clinical pathways and systems
must be reimagined. Policymakers and healthcare leaders must think systemically and be prepared
to engage in transformational change, rather than expecting AI to bolt onto legacy processes.
Above all, a note of urgency prevailed. AI is evolving at a remarkable pace. The UK risks falling behind
if we do not move quickly to create a coherent framework that enables safe, scalable adoption,
while protecting public trust. There is clear consensus that getting governance right – “just-in-
time” governance, as one participant phrased it – is essential to harness the benefits of AI without
introducing new risks.
The opportunities for AI to improve patient outcomes, personalise care, reduce health inequalities,
and transform workforce productivity are real. This report captures the energy, insights, and
recommendations from the roundtable to inform the steps ahead. It calls on policymakers, system
leaders, and innovators alike to seize this moment: to embed AI into the DNA of the NHS and broader
health ecosystem, for the benefit of all citizens.
Read the full report from Curia’s roundtable on the utilisation of AI in the Health, Care, and Life Sciences sectors here.