AI Home Care Tool Promises to Ease NHS Strain and Save Billions
A groundbreaking AI-powered healthcare app is transforming home care for older patients, dramatically reducing pressure on the NHS while delivering multimillion-pound savings every day.
Developed by leading health tech company Cera, the artificial intelligence tool is already saving the NHS an estimated £1.5 million per day by helping nurses and social care workers intervene earlier and prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
By continuously monitoring vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and activity levels, the AI system identifies subtle health changes that may indicate a patient is becoming vulnerable to illness. Alerts are then sent directly to carers, enabling swift action and treatment before conditions escalate into emergencies.
Cutting admissions in half
Since its national rollout in 2023, the technology has been adopted by more than 10,000 frontline NHS and social care workers during home visits. According to independent analysis by Faculty AI, the app has reduced hospital admissions among older patients by an impressive 50%, making it one of the most impactful innovations in UK healthcare in recent years.
Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder of Cera and a former A&E doctor, said the results highlight the untapped potential of social care to serve as the NHS’s “front line of prevention” for at-risk over-65s.
“These figures show how technology can fundamentally reshape healthcare delivery,” Dr Maruthappu explained. “A saving of £1 billion could fund the salaries of more than 25,000 nurses for a year, pay for 40 million extra GP appointments, or finance the building of multiple new hospitals.”
A new model for preventative care
The NHS has faced mounting pressure from rising demand, workforce shortages, and an ageing population. Experts argue that AI-backed home care offers a scalable, preventative solution that could save the UK billions while improving patient outcomes.
Dr Maruthappu added: “The further rollout of AI-powered home care—delivered safely and with a focus on prevention—has the potential to free up critical NHS resources and provide more personalised care for vulnerable patients. This is not just about saving money; it’s about saving lives and ensuring the sustainability of our health system.”
Driving NHS innovation
Cera’s AI home care tool is part of a wider movement within the NHS to adopt digital healthcare technologies, from AI in cancer diagnosis to robotics in pharmacies. With government investment in innovation growing, experts say such technologies could play a central role in reducing waiting times, cutting hospital admissions, and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
As the UK positions itself as a leader in life sciences and health technology, the success of Cera’s AI platform demonstrates how innovation in social care can complement the NHS, strengthen community-based services, and support healthier ageing across the population.
