New programme to support meaningful adoption of ambient voice technology across the NHS
Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) converts clinical conversations into documentation such as clinical notes and patient letters. AVT is of significant interest to the NHS: It has the potential to reduce administrative burden, release clinician time and improve patient and staff experience and drive increased productivity.
Given this significant opportunity, NHS England is bringing the system together around one national AVT initiative, with a shared direction, common standards and a consistent evidence base.
NHS England is providing national funding, guidance, assurance standards and practical implementation support through the Frontline Productivity programme and the AVT centre of excellence.
The Health Innovation Network is translating that national approach into practical implementation support, help navigating the supplier landscape and developing shared learning and evidence from frontline delivery alongside the Frontline Productivity programme.
Although real-world evidence of productivity savings in the NHS is limited, early indications are promising – a study at Great Ormond Street Hospital found that AVT increased direct patient interaction time by 23.5% (1).
The Meaningful use of Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) in the NHS: Health Innovation Network AVT Programme is led by Health Innovation East and being delivered by all 15 health innovation networks across England, alongside expert partners and in collaboration with NHS England. Together, we are helping NHS organisations deploy AVT safely, integrate it into clinical workflows, and realise productivity and patient care benefits at scale.
By 2028, the programme will leave the NHS with a clearer understanding of the real-world value of AVT in the NHS and a blueprint for meaningful adoption and use.
Health Innovation South West is delivering the programme across Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The programme will run for two years until March 2028. Working closely with NHS England South West to ensure strategic alignment, we will work with providers at different stages of their AVT journey. Learn more about our AVT work in the South West.
AVT support for NHS providers
There are three ways in which providers can access AVT support:
- Through Frontline Productivity funding and associated change management support.
- Through participating in the Network AVT programme.
- Through both Frontline Productivity funding and associated support and participating in the Network AVT programme.
Providers may also choose to implement AVT without accessing any of these support offers.
Providers should speak to the Health Innovation South West team to explore opportunities via the Network AVT programme and their regional NHS England team regarding Frontline Productivity Programme funding.
For more information please contact Mark Procter, Head of Digital, Data & AI at Health Innovation South West.
References
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children DRIVE (2026) Use of Ambient Voice Technology with Generative Artificial Intelligence in Multiple Clinical Settings across the NHS. Available at: https://media.gosh.nhs.uk/documents/AAI_Phase_4_NHSE_Final_Report_1.3.pdf (Accessed: 7 June 2026).
