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A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) system has been introduced at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in West Yorkshire to accelerate the diagnosis of lung cancer and infections. The AI software, described as a “co-pilot” for doctors, is designed to rapidly interpret chest X-rays and identify up to 85 different abnormalities within minutes, helping clinicians prioritize urgent cases and streamline patient care.
The trust, which conducts at least 135,000 chest X-rays annually, believes this technology will enable patients to receive treatment faster and play a crucial role in enhancing patient safety. Dr. Fahmid Chowdhury, clinical lead for the project and a consultant radiologist, explained that the AI will flag abnormal findings, allowing for quicker reporting of suspicious X-rays. “The real benefit will be once we start using the AI to flag the abnormal reads we will see over time, and the abnormal X-rays will get reported more quickly,” he said.
Dr. Chowdhury also highlighted the reassurance the technology provides for patients whose X-rays show no issues, as it gives peace of mind to both patients and clinicians. The pilot scheme, launched last month, is already demonstrating its value. “I’ve seen at least one example myself where at initial first pass you may not have seen the abnormality, but the AI highlighted it straight away,” he noted.
The initiative is part of the Yorkshire Imaging Collaborative, a regional imaging network, and is supported by the NHS AI Diagnostic Fund, which has allocated £21 million to 11 imaging networks across England. The fund aims to speed up the deployment of AI imaging and decision support tools to improve early detection of lung cancer and other serious conditions.
Despite the advanced capabilities of the AI, Dr. Chowdhury emphasized that the technology is not intended to replace doctors. “It’s still the doctor or the healthcare worker who is making the call. The AI is a co-pilot rather than a pilot—it’s not flying the plane. The doctor or the trained healthcare worker is. The AI sits next to them and supports them in doing that job,” he said.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information provided by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and related news sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult official NHS communications or healthcare professionals for the latest updates and guidance regarding AI in healthcare. The views and opinions expressed by clinicians are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the NHS.
