The NHS is deploying new artificial intelligence and digital tools to optimize clinical scheduling, triage patients, and reduce administrative burdens.

Automated triage will be phased into the NHS App to direct patients toward appropriate care settings. The initiative is part of a broader £10bn effort to upgrade the health service's digital infrastructure.

An analysis shows that over a third of hospital trusts have seen a decline in the share of patients seen within 18 weeks since January, sparking clinical concerns.