MENTAL HEALTH

NHS Tackles Mental Health Crisis with AI

The recent implementation of the AI mental health platform Wysa within NHS Talking Therapy services has demonstrated marked improvements in mental health support, as patients manage depression and anxiety symptoms while awaiting traditional therapies. Wysa's Digital Referral Assistant efficiently streamlines self-referral processes, saving clinicians substantial assessment time and increasing completion rates by 25%. This digital advancement not only reduces missed appointments but ensures more individuals access timely care. Since its integration in 31 NHS services, over 178,000 patients have benefited, with 1.9% accurately identified as at risk and directed to crisis support. For younger patients, Wysa has referred over 500 under-18s to essential CAMHS services.

As NHS faces the pressing challenge of long waiting lists, Wysa's AI-driven conversational care offers interim relief, with users reporting significant improvements in wellbeing. Impressively, 19% of patients met clinical recovery criteria while using Wysa before formal treatment. With Health Secretary Wes Streeting advocating a digital shift, this partnership exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in healthcare delivery. It underscores the urgency for continued innovation to address mental health crises effectively, enhancing patient outcomes during and beyond NHS intervention.

SOCIAL CARE

Adult Social Care Must be ‘Modernised’ to Help London Councils on Brink of Bankruptcy, says Care Minister

The critical state of adult social care funding stands at the forefront of concern as London councils edge towards bankruptcy, demanding immediate reform. Care Minister Stephen Kinnock highlights a £500 million financial gap, aggravated by surging demands and insufficient resources. These challenges are exacerbated by the stark reality of 130,000 unfilled care vacancies, complicating efforts to maintain a functional support system for vulnerable populations.

Strategic plans necessitate the establishment of a National Care Service to rectify systemic financial strains. Proposals focus on sustainable funding models, comprehensive workforce support through fair pay, and technological advancements aimed at transitioning from conventional to community-focused care solutions. An independent commission led by Baroness Louise Casey is tasked with delivering actionable recommendations, yet the looming possibility of doubled care costs in two decades amplifies the urgency. Policymakers and industry leaders must forge a path forward, leveraging current data to ensure an integrated health and social care framework that aligns with both fiscal prudence and the evolving needs of an ageing society.

“Share for Better Care Week” is important for health and social care because it directly addresses some of the key challenges facing the sector today, such as communication gaps, fragmented care, and the need for a more holistic, patient-centred approach.​

Feedback is invaluable, helping us to identify areas where services can be improved. However, too often, not everyone’s voice is heard. In my own social care experience, I have observed changes being made without staff or resident involvement in the decision-making process. It becomes clear that those changes often do not align with the practical needs of the care environment, affecting both staff morale and our ability to effectively support residents.​

While Agilisys Transform continues to support Adult Social Care through Generative AI, it is vital to ensure that feedback is collected thoroughly to inform improvements. By capturing the voices of both social care workers and the residents they support, we can enable more helpful, tailored care and support. We can ensure that the technology Agilisys Transform develops is not only cutting-edge but also practical and user-friendly.​

We want to understand their concerns, opportunities, and how AI could enhance their work. This feedback will help shape the future of AI in the sector, ensuring it’s implemented in a way that supports staff and improves services. Stay tuned to share your insights!

MEDICAL INNOVATION

AI Could Help Detect Epilepsy-linked Brain Lesions that are Often Missed – Study

Advanced software known as Meld Graph, developed by Kings College London and University College London, may significantly aid in early detection of epilepsy-related brain lesions that are often missed by radiologists. This artificial intelligence tool is designed to identify focal cortical dysplasia, a cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and is trained on extensive MRI data encompassing patients worldwide, including children. It holds potential to expedite diagnosis and improve epilepsy management by assisting radiologists overwhelmed with image reviews, thus enhancing efficiency and decreasing unnecessary medical procedures.

The software demonstrated promising results by detecting 64% of brain malformations, suggesting a substantial impact on future patient outcomes. A case highlighted Meld Graph's capability in identifying lesions previously overlooked, offering hope for treatment and potential cure through surgical intervention. While not yet available clinically, it has been released as open-source software with ongoing clinician training workshops. The initiative reflects an urgent call for technological integration in healthcare, aiming to expedite diagnosis and optimise epilepsy treatment, particularly in paediatric cases where delays are increasingly detrimental.

HEALTHCARE FUNDING CONCERNS

'The NHS is Already Broken but This is Just Going to Bring it To Its Knees'

The impending rise in employer National Insurance contributions threatens to further destabilise the already pressured NHS and care home sectors. Red Rocks Nursing Home's Mike Vaughan warns that without proper financial support, care homes could face closures or severe cutbacks in staffing, thereby compounding issues like NHS bed blocking. Despite an additional £600 million in council funding, the gap in providing adequate care persists, raising alarm within the Carers Trust about the resultant "perfect storm" facing the industry.

Strategic decisions from policymakers are paramount as the Labour government delays major social care reforms until 2028, despite injecting nearly £26 billion into the NHS. Efforts to integrate NHS and social care are underway, yet swift reforms are critical to circumvent potential collapse. The challenge is aligning local expertise and government strategies to build a sustainable social care infrastructure, fostering a collaborative system where the NHS and social care providers effectively deliver support to society's most vulnerable, while addressing workforce and funding constraints.

ADULT CARE STRATEGY

Progress Achieved in Nottinghamshire's Adult Social Care Strategy, Future Challenges Identified

The Nottinghamshire Local Account Progress Report details strategic advancements in Adult Social Care, noting enhanced hospital discharge rates, technological independence, and improved educational and employment opportunities. Persistent challenges demand strategic intervention. Upcoming Big Conversation events will guide 2026 updates, aligning future priorities with current sector exigencies and decision-making needs.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

Swindon Rallies to Tackle Critical Social Care Funding Deficit

SOCIAL CARE POLICY

Slough Council Proposes Changes to Adult Social Care Fees

Slough Borough Council initiated a public consultation on proposed changes to adult social care fees. Residents can provide input on four main proposals, including new charges for financial management services and changing the current income buffer. The consultation will shape final recommendations for April's Cabinet meeting.

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