University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), which includes Derriford Hospital, is actively exploring and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other innovative digital solutions to improve patient care and staff efficiency.
Derriford Hospital, as the largest hospital in the South West Peninsula, faces unique challenges that AI can help to address.
Here is a summary of the key areas where Derriford Hospital and its associated university partners are involved with AI and innovative technology:
Current & Developing AI Initiatives at Derriford
Focus Area
Description & Potential AI Use
Status
Electronic Patient Record (EPR)
Derriford is moving to a new Epic EPR system, planned to go live in summer 2026 as part of the One Devon EPR programme. The trust has stated a strong commitment to integrating AI into this new system.
In planning/procurement phase.
Ambient AI & AI Scribing
One of the primary uses of AI within the new EPR will be Ambient AI for documentation. The hospital is considering deploying AI scribes that unobtrusively capture and document clinical interactions in real-time, freeing up clinicians from administrative work.
Under active consideration for the new EPR rollout.
Imaging & Radiology
Research is underway to apply AI and computer vision techniques to medical imaging (e.g., CT, X-rays, MRI). The focus is on using deep learning to detect key changes, improve cancer detection, and build “radiomics pipelines” to predict tumour characteristics.
Research and development, with pilot applications being explored.
Pharmacy
A project has been active to use machine learning within the pharmacy department to create a Clinical Prioritisation Tool, helping to identify high-risk patients who need more immediate pharmaceutical attention.
Development and pilot phase.
Operational Efficiency
Plans are being developed to use AI for smart scheduling (optimising resource allocation and reducing patient waiting times) and to provide conversational AI agents to assist both staff and patients with queries.
Identified as part of the digital strategy.
Research & Risk Stratification
Working with the University of Plymouth, researchers are using explainable AI to predict and understand patient risk for conditions such as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases based on routinely collected data.
Academic research with clinical application intent.
Innovative Technologies Beyond Core AI
While not always strictly AI, Derriford Hospital has been a pioneer in using advanced digital technologies that lay the groundwork for future AI integration:
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Derriford has used the da Vinci surgical system since 2015. While a surgeon is always in full control, these systems use advanced digital technology to enable more precise, minimally invasive procedures.
Smart Wards: The Trust has pioneered “smart wards” that rethink the physical environment of care. These are pilot projects testing technologies such as:
Fall-prevention sensors and mobility sensors.
Wearable devices for automated vital sign collection.
Virtual windows and smart lighting to reduce stress and disorientation.
Emergency Department Digitisation: Derriford has digitised its emergency department by deploying new software modules to its Nervecentre EPR. This includes mobile working tools to capture clinical notes electronically and automate time-critical workflows, such as screening for sepsis.