Stroke patients at an English hospital are getting quicker diagnoses with artificial intelligence that gives consultants instant access to brain scan images.
Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley introduced RapidAI in May 2024. The system speeds up triage – prioritising patients by urgency – by sending scans directly to consultants’ mobile phones.
Since its introduction at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, patients have been diagnosed within 40–60 minutes – up to an hour faster than without the technology.
It can also identify possible strokes in patients without typical signs such as slurred speech or facial drooping.
Care minister Stephen Kinnock visited the hospital on Tuesday to see what he called a “potentially life-saving improvement”.
Kinnock said: “Within seconds of the scan taking place, the consultants are able to see exactly what the issue is in terms of what has caused the stroke.
“That speed of information is then shared through an app with all the relevant consultants. The quicker they get the diagnosis, the quicker they can decide what treatment is required.”
He added: “This use of AI can slash the time between someone showing symptoms of stroke to getting treatment by up to an hour – a potentially life-saving improvement. When it comes to strokes, every second counts.”
The technology provides instant access to scan images along with preliminary reports for clinicians to check and act on, helping patients receive urgent treatment sooner.
The government plans to roll out AI use across the NHS as part of a 10-year shift from analogue to digital systems called the Plan for Change.
Patrick Potter, 62, from Stourbridge, had a stroke on Thursday and suffered a bleed on the brain.
His scan was sent straight to his consultant’s phone, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment.
He said: “I don’t know to what extent or what damage it would have done to my brain.
“Initially I was terrified because I’ve never had anything happen like that before, but within a few days I was told it looks like it’ll be able to recover and you’ll be okay.”
He described the technology as “absolutely brilliant”.
