Northampton General Hospital jobs at risk as it prepares to introduce AI technology

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), which runs Northampton General Hospital, is introducing Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) across its hospitals this autumn.

The AI-powered system is designed to create clinical notes and documentation from patient consultations, with the aim of cutting down the amount of paperwork faced by clinicians.

But the trust has confirmed some administrative roles could be affected by proposed workforce changes.

A UHN spokesperson said: “We will be introducing Ambient Voice Technology across our hospitals this autumn to help clinicians spend more time focused on conversations with patients and less time on administrative tasks.

“As part of this, some administrative roles may be affected by proposed workforce changes; however, no final decisions have been made and a formal consultation process with potentially affected colleagues and trade union representatives is underway from tomorrow (Thursday) ."

UHN has not said how many jobs could be affected.

The trust says it is intended to reduce the administrative burden on clinical staff, allowing them to spend more time talking to patients and delivering care.

The technology forms part of UHN's wider programme to ‘modernise services and improve productivity through digital innovation’.

UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Nadeem Samari said: "AI is a powerful technology that could bring real benefits to the NHS. However, it’s still new and not without risks. UNISON believes AI should be used to support an already overstretched workforce, improve patient experience and help bring down waiting lists. It should not become a means of cutting jobs in a service that is already struggling with workforce shortages.

"The suggestion that 'no final decisions have been made' will offer little reassurance to staff now facing uncertainty about their futures. After proposals for steep increases in car-parking charges and the closure of the canteen for night-shift staff at NGH, many of our members say they simply expect UHN to come for their jobs next.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, UHN worked with UNISON to agree a no-compulsory-redundancy commitment that gave staff security at a time of enormous uncertainty. We urge the Trust to show that same leadership now, rather than making unilateral announcements in the media.

"The NHS needs innovation, but it also needs experienced, dedicated staff. Technology should strengthen the workforce, not be seen as a cheaper alternative."