Machine learning software piques interest of NHS trusts

At least 15 trusts in England are said to be interested in new machine learning software designed to support the diagnosis of heart disease, which its developer is planning to offer for free to the NHS. The machine learning algorithm, developed by Oxford-based start-up Ultromics, analyses echocardiogram images for signs of disease. The system is said to be capable of spotting warning signs that might be missed by a clinician, so reducing the risk of a patient suffering a heart attack or other complications. Ultromics hit the headlines over the festive period after it was reported its machine learning software could be rolled out to NHS trusts for free starting this summer. CEO Ross Upton suggested the technology could save the NHS £300 million a year by reducing the number of people who are incorrectly sent for heart surgery, or are otherwise given the all-clear and later suffer a heart attack that requires treatment.