AI to be used to stop wasteful A&E visits as NHS faces busiest winter

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. NHS England said that over 360,000 patients attend A&E more than five times every year, with repeat visits often linked to poverty and social isolation. NHS England said that “High Intensity Use services”, which rely on the latest data to find the most regular attendees in their area, have already been rolled out to 125 A&Es across the country. She added: “We know that a small proportion of the population are much more likely to use A&E or ambulance services, so it is important we give them the targeted support they need this winter before they get to the front door of an emergency service – this is much better for them but will also help to relieve pressure on the NHS.” open image in gallery Health Secretary Wes Streeting met NHS boss Amanda Pritchard Victoria Corbishley, head of health at the British Red Cross, the largest provider of High Intensity Use of A&E services in the UK, said: “We know from our work with people who need to make repeat visits to A&E how important early interventions are, to prevent people reaching crisis point. “This points to the need to address health inequalities, and increase community-based support, so people can get the help they need in the right place rather than having to resort to A&E.” It comes as the NHS urged eligible people to book their free flu jab to prevent getting sick over Christmas.