A government decision to halt AI funding for radiotherapy has been exposed by brave frontline staff, Radiotherapy UK and The Guardian.
In a damning article, out today, ‘ridiculous’ cuts to AI funding have been condemned as a potential threat to patient life. The AI in question is already in use within some radiotherapy departments and has been welcomed by staff and patients as it speeds up treatment planning and helps to cut waits.
Three years of funding for this AI auto-contouring was announced in 2024 by the former Conservative government. After the election, the scheme continued, with radiotherapy staff led to believe they could carry on or begin using the technology, saving time and treating patients faster.
But in February, an email sent by an NHS commissioner said that the funding would end.
Our chair, Professor Price, said: “The government cannot laud the advent of AI in one breath, and allow this to happen. Far from moving from an analogue to digital NHS, when it comes to radiotherapy it feels like the opposite is happening. This wrong-footed decision will exacerbate the impact of severe staff shortages.”
Please read and share this article far and wide. We cannot allow proven cost-effective and life-saving technology to be swept aside at a time when UK cancer patients are already suffering such poor outcomes compared to similar countries.
Our thanks to all who made this article happen, providing a crucial voice for UK cancer patients. Let’s dig in and ensure staff have the tools they need to treat.
Full story (HERE) ‘Ridiculous’ cuts to AI cancer tech funding in England could cost lives, experts warn | Health policy | The Guardian
