Developing a London AI Pathology Strategy

The AI Centre is working jointly with NHS London on a new London AI Pathology Strategy.

On the 5th December NHS England and the AI Centre held an innovative strategy event at the Royal College of Pathologists to engage experts in conversation on the future of AI in pathology. The event brought together NHS staff from all backgrounds – clinical pathologists, data scientists and digital innovation programme managers to name a few. The day long conference featured some compelling keynote speakers and insightful group discussions exploring some of the key boundaries and challenges in the field.

The event began with an opening address from Sigal Hachlili, Director of AI, Data and Digital Innovation at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust and the AI Centre, setting the agenda for the day and addressing some of the key themes of discussion for the event. The event then transitioned into a series of speakers, who we would like to offer a special
thank you to:

• Professor Mike Osborn: Past President of RCPath, Clinical Lead Pathology NHSE – London, Clinical Lead Cell Path NWLP
• Professor David Snead: Founding Director of PathLAKE, Consultant Pathologist University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
• Robin Carpenter: AI Ethics and Governance Lead AI Centre for Value Based Healthcare
• Karim Nashar: Principal Terminology Implementation Specialist, Pathology Standards and Implementation Team

A particular highlight of the day was the group discussions on barriers and challenges we face in implementing AI into our London based NHS Trusts. Some key themes emerged including limitations of current hardware and infrastructure, clarity and transparency in regards to guidance and direction and the importance of strategic collaboration. These workshop sessions were facilitated by:

• Michelle Martin: Head of Pathology, NHS England
• Bernadette Worman: Diagnostics Digital Programme Manager, NHS England
• Tarlochan Boparai: Associate Director for Digital Diagnostics for South East London ICB
• Barbara Rafferty: Head of Digital Innovation at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trusts

All of the content pulled from these discussions will be used to better inform a London AI Pathology strategy.

The dynamic presentations and workshops sparked some lively discussions amongst attendees and created a great atmosphere for collaboration and knowledge
sharing.

We hope our attendees left with a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of AI, but also the potential hurdles we face in implementation. Events such as these will be pivotal in informing a clear and robust implementation plan that reflects the requirements and ambitions of pathologists and patients across London ICBs.

The strategy is still in development so this is an ongoing dialogue. If you would like to get in touch with further thoughts or comments on this topic, please email Barbara Rafferty,
Head of Digital Innovation at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trusts at : barbara.rafferty@gstt.nhs.uk or Matthew Allinson, Engagement Manager at the AI Centre at: matthew.allinson@gstt.nhs.uk.