UHNM Heart and Lung Centre to Lead National AI Training Development

Key Takeaways

The Heart and Lung Centre at UHNM received funding from the British Heart Foundation to develop a national AI training program focused on echocardiology.
Research led by Sadie Bennett will examine the integration of AI technology in echocardiography, with findings aimed at improving training and patient safety.
AI applications in healthcare are expanding, with ongoing initiatives across NHS trusts to enhance disease detection and management.

Funding for AI Training in Echocardiology

The Heart and Lung Centre at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has received funding from the British Heart Foundation to establish a national training program for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in echocardiology. Sadie Bennett, a cardiac clinical scientist, will conduct research in collaboration with patients throughout 2025 to better understand AI’s application within this medical field.

The project aims to address the training needs of healthcare scientists who will be using AI in practical settings. Bennett emphasized the crucial role played by UHNM’s Heart Support Group in shaping the development of this program. The group provided insights on AI technology and raised significant concerns about patient safety, particularly regarding the necessity for echocardiographers to receive proper training and resources.

Feedback from the Heart Support Group has driven the focus of this research, highlighting the importance of patient engagement in healthcare advancements. This collaboration is expected to inform the creation of national AI training materials that will be rolled out starting in 2026.

Claire Peacock, a clinical exercise physiologist at UHNM, noted the enthusiasm and contributions from both the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team and the Heart Support Group. Their input has opened new avenues for enhancing healthcare services through collaborative efforts with organizations like the British Society of Echocardiography and the British Heart Foundation.

AI’s integration into the NHS is ongoing; for instance, in November 2024, AI technologies were launched at seven NHS trusts within the Greater Manchester Imaging Network to expedite the detection of conditions such as lung cancer. Furthermore, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the AI Opportunities Action Plan in January 2025, which aims to leverage public health data for further AI development, positioning the country to become an AI superpower.

This initiative at UHNM reflects a broader trend of utilizing innovative technology to improve patient care and disease detection processes across the healthcare spectrum. The commitment to involving patients in the development of these programs underscores the importance of co-production in shaping effective healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of the population.

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