AI software that can predict daily A&E admissions is rolled out TODAY

A computer software is being rolled out in the NHS from today that can predict A&E admissions weeks in advance based on things like Covid rates and 111 calls. The AI technology will be used in over 100 hospitals with major A&E departments in England, nearly half of all NHS trusts. It was found to be able to make forecasts with'impressive' accuracy in a trial at nine trusts by looking at factors including local Covid and flu infection rates, traffic and 111 call data to model how many people will show up at A&E each day. The software also takes into consideration public holidays such as New Year's Eve, when emergency departments are more likely to fill up. There are plans to incorporate weather data in the future, with the cold associated with more falls and traffic accidents and hot temperatures linked to a rise in heart problems.