AI in the NHS 2026: Pivotal Year for AI in Healthcare

2026 is set to be a pivotal year for AI in the NHS, with important national strategies and regulatory reforms expected that will impact what kinds of technologies get used and how the health service adopts and oversees them. This full day event will explore how to translate national strategy into real-world implementation, evaluate and scale AI tools rapidly, safely and effectively, build trust among clinicians, patients and the public, support the workforce through technological transformation, and learn from leading international health systems already using AI at scale.

The event will bring together stakeholders from across the NHS, government, industry, academia and the charity sector to consider how the NHS can responsibly, safely and effectively implement AI at scale. Confirmed speakers include Dr Joseph Alderman, Brian Anderson, Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, Wonchul Cha, Dr Jennifer Dixon DBE, Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Saira Ghafur, Bob Klaber, Davina Lim, Ed Middleton, Madhumita Murgia, Micky Tripathi, and Anna Thomas.

The event will focus on several key areas, including translating national strategy into real-world implementation, evaluating and scaling AI tools rapidly, safely and effectively, building trust among clinicians, patients and the public, supporting the workforce through technological transformation, and learning from leading international health systems already using AI at scale.

By bringing together stakeholders from across the NHS, government, industry, academia and the charity sector, the event aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing AI in the NHS. This will include discussions on the ethical implications of AI, the need for robust regulatory frameworks, and the importance of involving patients and the public in the development and implementation of AI technologies.

The event will also highlight the importance of building trust among clinicians, patients and the public, and will explore ways to support the workforce through technological transformation. This includes discussions on the need for training and upskilling healthcare professionals to ensure they are equipped to use AI technologies effectively and safely.

Overall, the event will provide a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of AI in the NHS, and to explore how the NHS can responsibly, safely and effectively implement AI at scale.