Key Takeaways

• An AI tool predicting fall risks with 97% accuracy is being rolled out across the NHS to prevent up to 2,000 falls daily.
• The tool has been implemented in over two-thirds of NHS integrated care systems, significantly reducing hospitalizations.
• It also detects symptoms of winter illnesses, enhancing preventative care and supporting the NHS’s focus on community healthcare.

AI Tool Enhances Patient Care in the NHS

A new AI tool developed by Cera is being integrated into the NHS to predict patient fall risks with an impressive 97% accuracy. The technology has the potential to avert up to 2,000 falls and associated hospital admissions each day. The tool operates during more than two million home care visits per month, monitoring critical health metrics such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature to identify early signs of health deterioration. This proactive approach allows healthcare professionals to intervene before complications arise.

Currently, the AI system is implemented in over two-thirds of NHS integrated care systems, generating up to 5,000 high-risk alerts daily. This initiative is credited with reducing hospitalizations by up to 70%, aligning with the NHS’s strategy to alleviate the pressure on healthcare services, especially in anticipation of the winter months.

Dr. Vin Diwakar, the national director of transformation at NHS England, emphasized that the introduction of this innovative technology represents a significant advancement in patient care—enhancing safety for older individuals and improving overall operational efficiency within the NHS. Falls are identified as the leading cause of emergency admissions among older adults, with an estimated 30% of those aged 65 and above experiencing at least one fall each year. This results in over four million bed days annually, costing the NHS around £2 billion.

The AI tool will also aid in identifying winter illnesses, including Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus, allowing healthcare teams to act swiftly and prevent the need for hospital treatment. Additionally, Cera’s software streamlines administrative tasks such as scheduling visits and creating care plans, further enhancing the efficiency of home healthcare services.

Stephen Kinnock, care minister, praised the initiative as “smart, preventative healthcare” that aligns with the NHS’s 10-year health plan, which emphasizes a shift towards early intervention and community-based care rather than reliance on hospital services.

Dr. Ben Maruthappu, founder and CEO of Cera, noted the profound impact that AI can have on health outcomes for high-risk populations, stating that it plays a crucial role in preventing illness and reducing unnecessary hospital stays, enabling individuals to live healthier lives at home.

In January 2025, Cera completed a notable transaction exceeding $150 million (£123 million) aimed at further expanding its AI-driven home healthcare technology, indicating a strong commitment to revolutionizing patient care in the community.

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