NHS AI adoption in London remains fragmented, finds report

A report by UCLPartners and the Health Foundation has found that while AI has the potential to improve patient care and operational efficiency, its adoption remains fragmented in London.

The report, ‘AI in London healthcare: The reality behind the hype’, published on 6 March 2025, found that AI adoption in London’s NHS is in its early stages with many initiatives still in pilot phases rather than fully embedded into routine care.

It examines how the technology is being used, identifies key challenges, and outlines the collaborative approach needed for responsible and scalable AI adoption across the NHS.

Dr Chris Laing, chief executive  at UCLPartners said: “AI is already making an impact in London’s NHS, but for the first time, this report captures the reality of its adoption.

“London has the talent, technology, and data to be at the forefront of emerging technologies, but success depends on moving beyond isolated pilots. We know that AI isn’t a magic bullet; its value lies in clear purpose and a system-wide approach.

“It is only by working together, we can turn AI’s potential into real impact for patients and staff – thanks to the Health Foundation and all contributors in making this report possible.”

For the report, UCLPartners and the Health Foundation conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with decision-makers, including board-level executives, AI, digital and IT leads, and clinicians, from NHS organisations in London across acute trusts, integrated care systems and primary care providers.

A survey was also conducted with NHS organisations in the capital which received 44 responses, consisting of 23 acute trusts, 10 primary care providers, and 11 ‘other’ which were largely respondents within integrated care boards (ICBs).

The report found that a lack of appropriate digital and data infrastructure is a major barrier to scaling AI solutions and suggests that a structured framework for AI implementation is needed to ensure integration with broader NHS digital transformation efforts.

It recommends that NHS staff require additional training and leadership support to successfully implement AI in a way that enhances patient care, improves efficiency and addresses health inequities.

Findings from the research also indicate that greater collaboration between NHS organisations, academia and industry is needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption, share best practices and avoid duplication of efforts.

Tim Horton, assistant director (insight and analysis) in the improvement team at the Health Foundation, said: “Used responsibly, AI holds huge potential for improving care, increasing efficiency and supporting patients in managing their health.

“But, as this report shows, a more strategic approach will be needed to realise these benefits.”

An AI framework has was launched in March 2025 to help the NHS deliver safe and ethical pathways to use AI effectively across London.

The framework, published by NHS South East London ICB, covers the agreed way of introducing, using and monitoring AI products in the NHS in London.