Friday 20 March 2026
Internal Reference Number: FOI_9175
Date Request Received: 20/01/2026 00:00:00
Date Request Replied To: 10/02/2026 00:00:00
This response was sent via: By Email
Request Summary: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Request Category: Researcher
| Question Number 1: I am submitting an FOI request seeking to understand how public bodies are exploring or applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support service delivery. These questions are intended to gather insights into current practice, governance, and future planning. They should not be interpreted as critical; we are simply researching how public services are approaching emerging technologies. Please provide answers to the following: AI Use in Operations - Does your organisation currently use any form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or automated systems in its operations? If yes, please list the tools or systems in use and provide a brief description of their purpose (e.g., administrative support, triage, analytics, chatbot services, etc.). If not, please state whether your organisation has explored or piloted any AI-based technologies in the past 3 years. | |
| Answer To Question 1: Brainomix - radiological neuro-imaging diagnosis support Aidence - CT scan diagnosis support Circle AI - MRI scan diagnosis support Heartflow - CT cardiology imaging diagnosis support | |
| Question Number 2: AI for Decision-Making - Does your organisation use AI or algorithmic systems to support or inform decision-making in any area (e.g., resource allocation, risk assessments, case prioritisation)? If yes, please describe the type of decision-making supported and the nature of the AI’s role (e.g., advisory, automated assessment, automated decision). Please also confirm whether human oversight is applied. | |
| Answer To Question 2: Those AI solutions in place are outlined in Q1. Do not believe they apply to this question | |
| Question Number 3: AI Chatbots and Customer Interaction - Does your organisation currently use chatbots or virtual assistants—AI-driven or rules-based—to support public enquiries or internal staff functions? If yes, please specify their purpose, whether they are AI-based, and when they were implemented. | |
| Answer To Question 3: No | |
| Question Number 4: Policies and Governance - Does your organisation have any formal policy, strategy, or guidance relating to the use of Artificial Intelligence or automated decision-making? If yes, please supply a copy or provide a link. If not, please indicate whether such a policy is in development. | |
Answer To Question 4 are in the attachments below: Use of Generative AI Policy v1.1 - Review September 2026.docx | |
| Question Number 5: Data Protection and Ethics - If AI systems are used, what measures or frameworks does your organisation have in place to ensure: Compliance with data protection and privacy obligations Transparency for service users Ethical or responsible use (For example, DPIAs, algorithmic impact assessments, ethical guidelines—if applicable.) | |
| Answer To Question 5: We undertake a full DTAC assessment for all digital procurements which includes doing a DPIA and clinical safety cases. We currently have not taken new market entrants, rather than products that have already been tried and tested within the NHS. To accompany this answer to question 5 please also see the documents listed below: Use of Generative AI Policy v1.1 - Review September 2026.docx | |
| Question Number 6: Trials, Pilots, or Future Plans - Has your organisation run any pilots, trials, or exploratory projects involving AI in the last 3 years, or does it plan to do so in the next 12–24 months? If yes, please provide brief details of the purpose, timeline, and status of these initiatives. | |
| Answer To Question 6: The Trust considers systems with AI as part of on a case by case basis. We are considering the procurement of Ambient Voice Technology and consider the use of the Federated Data Platform products. No formal decisions have been made as yet. The current pilot underway is for Microsoft CoPilot through the national tenant which is with a few users to date to understand the implications/benefits. | |
| Question Number 7: Staff Training and Awareness - Does your organisation provide any training, guidance, or internal communications to staff relating to AI, its use, or its implications? If yes, please describe the type of training or include documents if available. | |
| Answer To Question 7: The Trust provides adhoc guidance and communications to staff when external news provides a relevant opportunities or new initiatives such as CoPilot happen. | |
| Please see Attachments: | |
| To return to the list of all the FOI requests please click here | |
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
