We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help support safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.
This page explains how AI is used in our practice and what it means for you as a patient.
How we use AI
We may use approved AI tools to help clinicians and staff with:
- Writing and structuring clinical notes during consultations
- Summarising medical information
- Preparing referral letters and administrative documents
- Supporting routine administrative tasks
AI is used only to support our staff, not to replace clinical decision-making.
All care and decisions are still made by qualified healthcare professionals.
Example of AI we use
We use a secure clinical documentation tool – Heidi AI – to assist with note-taking during consultations.
This helps clinicians focus fully on you during your appointment, rather than typing notes.
Important safeguards
We follow strict rules to keep your information safe and secure. AI tools are only used when they meet NHS and UK data protection standards.
We comply with guidance from:
- NHS England
- Information Commissioner’s Office
- Care Quality Commission
How your data is protected
Your information is:
- Processed securely and in line with UK data protection law
- Only accessible to authorised healthcare professionals
- Not used to make automated decisions about your care
- Never sold or used for marketing
We carry out strict checks before introducing any AI tool, including privacy and safety assessments.
Do you have a choice?
Yes. You can choose not to have AI used during your consultation.
If you prefer, please tell your clinician or receptionist and we will make alternative arrangements.
This will not affect the quality of your care.
How AI benefits patients
When used appropriately, AI can help:
- Reduce time spent on paperwork
- Allow clinicians to focus more on patients during consultations
- Improve the accuracy and completeness of medical records
- Support faster completion of referrals and documentation
Safety and accountability
AI does not make clinical decisions.
All notes and outputs generated by AI are:
- Checked
- Edited if needed
- Approved by a qualified clinician before being added to your medical record
Your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional remains fully responsible for your care.
Questions or concerns
If you have any questions about how we use AI, please contact the practice manager.
You can also ask to speak with our AI or Information Governance lead.