AI HEALTHCARE
The NHS is using AI to help prevent falls among older adults, stopping injuries before they happen.
The new system tracks vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, collected during home visits.
If something looks off, carers get an alert so they can step in before a fall occurs.
How it works:
Created by Cera, the system gathers data from carers and relatives, flagging risks in real-time.
It’s used in two-thirds of NHS Integrated Care Systems, covering 2 million home visits a month.
Early results show it prevents up to 2,000 falls and hospital visits daily, easing pressure on the NHS.
Falls are a serious issue, affecting one in three people over 65 each year.
For those over 80, the risk rises to nearly 50%.
Your nan’s got a digital bodyguard now
These incidents cost the NHS £2 billion a year and take up over four million hospital bed days.
Beyond the financial impact, falls can lead to long recovery times and a loss of independence, making early intervention crucial.
The NHS is shifting to digital-first healthcare, with a 10-year plan to move away from paper records.
AI-powered tools like this fit into that vision, reducing hospital stays and providing faster, localised care.
The software can also detect seasonal illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV before they worsen.
The future is AI whispering, ‘Hey, maybe don’t stand up too fast.’