A new government-backed AI Growth Lab will allow innovators to safely test healthcare technologies in real-world settings, aiming to cut NHS waiting times and ease staff workloads
As reported by Digital Health, a government plan to accelerate the safe rollout of artificial intelligence across the NHS could help reduce patient waiting times and ease pressure on frontline staff.
Announced by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall at the Times Tech Summit on 21 October, the new AI Growth Lab will enable companies and researchers to trial AI tools in real-world settings under relaxed regulatory conditions – a concept known as a “sandbox.” These controlled environments temporarily adjust or suspend specific rules, allowing innovators to test technology safely and swiftly.
Healthcare will be among the first sectors to benefit. The initiative aims to fast-track responsible AI systems that could, for example, assist clinicians with diagnostics or streamline administrative workloads.
“This isn’t about cutting corners,” Kendall said. “It’s about fast-tracking responsible innovations that will improve lives and deliver real benefits.”
A public consultation has also been launched to gather views on how the Growth Lab should operate – whether as a government-led programme or overseen by independent regulators.
To support the rollout, £1 million in funding has been earmarked for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to pilot AI-assisted medical tools and expand access to regulatory testing environments.
Officials say the approach could transform how new health technologies reach patients – speeding up innovation while maintaining public safety.
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