National Commission launched to speed up safe adoption of AI in the NHS

The government has announced the creation of a new National Commission tasked with accelerating the safe integration of artificial intelligence across the NHS.

Unveiled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare will bring together clinicians, patient advocates, regulators and major technology firms such as Google and Microsoft. Its mission is to advise on a new regulatory framework - expected to be published in 2026 - that will make it easier for the NHS to adopt AI while maintaining patient safety.

The move comes as AI increasingly underpins the government’s Plan for Change, which sets out ambitions for a digitally enabled NHS capable of delivering faster, safer and more personalised care.

One of the Commission’s first tasks will be to review technologies currently stalled by unclear regulation. This includes AI “ambient voice” assistants, which automatically generate clinical notes. Early pilots suggest the tools free up GP time and speed up patient flow through A&E by reducing administrative burdens.

Other areas under consideration include AI for radiology and pathology, and remote monitoring systems that track patients at home and alert clinicians to signs of deterioration.

Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the MHRA, said regulation must “move at the pace of innovation” if the NHS is to benefit. He added: “AI has enormous potential to transform outcomes, but it is crucial regulation maintains patient safety and public confidence.”

The Commission will be chaired by Professor Alastair Denniston, a practising NHS clinician and director of the UK Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science in AI and Digital Health. Patient Safety Commissioner Professor Henrietta Hughes will serve as deputy chair.

Both stressed the importance of building a regulatory model that commands trust from professionals and patients alike. “AI in healthcare has the potential to bring huge benefits, but it must be carefully regulated,” Hughes said.

The Health Foundation will act as research partner, supporting the Commission’s evidence gathering and analysis. A formal call for evidence will be launched later this year to capture views from across the UK and internationally.

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the Commission would help ensure the UK “leads the way” in deploying AI safely. “AI has incredible potential to help doctors spot and treat diseases earlier,” she said. “But we need experts to come together so patients can benefit quickly and safely.”

Health Innovation Minister Zubir Ahmed framed the initiative as central to the government’s ambition to position the UK as a global leader in AI-enabled healthcare. “This isn’t just about innovation for innovation’s sake,” he said. “It’s about building an NHS that works better for patients and gives staff the tools they need.”

AI is already embedded in parts of the health service. Every stroke unit in England uses AI to interpret brain scans, and half of NHS trusts are deploying AI to detect cancers and other conditions through the £21 million AI Diagnostic Fund. Hospitals using AI diagnostics have reported a 42% reduction in errors.

The new Commission will aim to expand these successes, aligning innovation with robust oversight. Its recommendations will help shape a regulatory “rulebook” intended to cement the UK’s status as both a pioneer in AI-enabled healthcare and an attractive destination for health tech investment.