Two UK-based innovators have created AI-driven platforms designed to alleviate some of the toughest bottlenecks in healthcare. From streamlining clinician workloads to improving patient access, these solutions are built by clinicians, for clinicians, with the goal of making the NHS and global healthcare systems more efficient and patient-centric.

GenAI tools for administrative overload

First, there’s TORTUS, a UK-based startup that’s tackling one of the biggest pain points for doctors: administrative overload. The company’s GenAI assistant automatically drafts clinic notes and letters, saving clinicians valuable time previously spent on write-ups and documentation. Powered by advanced voice recognition, the AI captures conversations during patient visits and generates comprehensive notes that are reviewed and approved by the clinician before being uploaded to the patient’s health record and sent to the patient and their family.

TORTUS has established a strong presence within the NHS, with its AI-driven solution live in over 100 NHS primary care sites and four NHS hospitals. Pilots are underway across select NHS hospitals and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), exploring its broader impact on healthcare delivery. Clinicians have already offered overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the potential of the technology to transform their workflows and improve patient care.

Dr Dom Pimenta, cardiologist and Co-Founder and CEO of TORTUS, is excited about the future of GenAI in healthcare: “The work clearly shows the potential of AI and digital health solutions to massively improve clinicians working lives, relieve burdens in the system and improve patient experience simultaneously.” As with any AI adoption in healthcare, it must be monitored closely, and in this case, the team is working with partners to actively refine the technology and continually generate evidence about effectiveness.

TORTUS isn’t just another admin tool – it completely changes clinician-patient interactions, for the better. By reducing the time spent on documentation, it allows healthcare professionals to devote more attention to their patients during appointments. Already being trialled at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and used in more than 3,000 consultations each week across other sites, early feedback confirms that the tool enables doctors to focus on delivering care, without compromising the quality of their clinical notes.

Digital triage systems and remote care for patients

But administrative bottlenecks are only part of the equation; healthcare delivery also suffers from an overwhelmed system when it comes to access. A key example of this is for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions: impacting 1.71 billion people globally, MSK disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. An aging population, coupled with changing trends in how we live and work, is causing this number to rise rapidly. Unfortunately, due to shortages of physiotherapists and long waiting lists, this problem is only getting worse.

Enter EQL, another UK-based startup that’s transforming MSK care with its digital physiotherapy platform, Phio. Phio leverages mathematical models to support healthcare providers with MSK triage – ensuring patients get referred to the best treatment for them, straight away – and providing remote physiotherapy services to patients. The solution reduces the need for in-person appointments and reduces the lengthy wait times which plague the NHS (and often exacerbate patients’ MSK symptoms).

Founded by Peter Grinbergs (Chief Medical Officer), a former Premier League physiotherapist and seasoned entrepreneur, Jason Ward (CEO), experienced Digital Health business executive, and Samantha Medcraft (COO), EQL’s mission is to democratise access to physiotherapy through technology. Phio’s models aid clinical processes by triaging patients, referring people onto either a face-to-face clinical pathway or onto their digital self-management platform, based on their specific treatment needs – which provides personalised MSK treatment plans alongside access to 24/7 clinical support. The platform’s ability to bypass the traditional NHS waiting lists gives patients the access they need, when they need it, making a significant difference for those unable to wait for specialist appointments.

How can healthtech startups change healthcare delivery?

Drawing on the recent findings from the Health Foundation on attitudes to technology, it’s clear that the public is cautiously optimistic about the role of digital tools in healthcare. The report highlights that while 59% of people believe technology can improve the quality of care, concerns remain about data security and equitable access. This balance of enthusiasm and caution presents an opportunity for healthtech startups to act as bridges – designing solutions that address these concerns while showcasing tangible benefits. By building trust and demonstrating value, healthtech companies can help shift perceptions and accelerate the adoption of technology within the NHS.

It’s exciting – what it means is that healthtech startups are not only delivering innovative solutions but can also help shape public attitudes and expectations. To support digital adoption in the NHS and healthcare more widely, startups must prioritise patient experiences and perspectives, engage healthcare professionals early in the development process, and focus on clinical evidence and impact. Part of this will also include processes for change management, and cohesion between the commercial sector and NHS partners. We also need to make sure all groups are included as we innovate, and not left behind.

By addressing operational challenges and aligning AI and technology innovations with healthcare priorities, startups can ensure that technology serves as an enabler for improved patient outcomes, rather than an additional burden. This collaborative approach has the potential to transform healthcare delivery, bridging the gap between traditional systems and a digital future.

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