AI tool used to predict falls and illnesses expands across the NHS
An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tool capable of predicting an individual’s risk of falling with 97% accuracy is being implemented across the NHS. The system, developed by healthcare technology company Cera, is expected to prevent up to 2,000 falls and hospital admissions daily, significantly reducing strain on the health service while improving patient safety and well-being.
The AI-driven system is already in use across more than two-thirds of NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and is integrated into over two million home care visits per month. By continuously monitoring key health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, the software identifies early warning signs of deterioration, enabling timely intervention by healthcare professionals.
This predictive capability is transforming the way care is delivered, supporting individuals to remain in their own homes rather than requiring hospitalisation. Each day, the tool generates up to 5,000 high-risk alerts, allowing clinicians and care teams to respond proactively. The AI system has already contributed to a reduction in hospital admissions by as much as 70%, ensuring more efficient use of NHS resources.
Dr Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, emphasised the importance of the technology in improving patient care and operational efficiency across the NHS. He said:
“This new tool now being used across the country shows how the NHS is harnessing the latest technology, including AI, to not only improve the care patients receive but also to boost efficiency across the NHS by cutting unnecessary admissions and freeing up beds ahead of next winter, helping hospitals to mitigate typical seasonal pressures.
“We know falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions in older people, causing untold suffering, affecting millions each year and costing the NHS around £2 billion, so this new software has the potential to be a real game-changer in the way we can predict, prevent and treat people in the community.
“This AI tool is a perfect example of how the NHS can use the latest tech to keep more patients safe at home and out of hospital, two cornerstones of the upcoming 10-year Health Plan that will see shifts from analogue to digital, and from hospital to community care.”
The Scale of Falls and Their Impact on NHS Resources
Falls remain the single largest cause of emergency hospital admissions among older people. Current estimates suggest that approximately 30% of individuals aged 65 and over—equating to around 2.5 million people—and nearly 50% of those aged 80 and above experience at least one fall each year. These incidents account for over four million hospital bed days annually, with a financial burden on the NHS exceeding £2 billion.
By introducing AI-driven fall prediction, the NHS aims to tackle this major public health issue proactively. The tool’s deployment aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance community-based care, leveraging digital solutions to prevent avoidable hospitalisations.
AI Technology to Detect Early Signs of Winter Viruses
Beyond fall prevention, the AI software is also designed to detect the early symptoms of seasonal illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus. By recognising signs of infection before they escalate, NHS and social care teams can intervene earlier, potentially preventing the need for hospital treatment.
Cera’s system is also equipped to automate administrative tasks such as scheduling home visits and generating care plans, freeing up valuable time for healthcare professionals to focus on direct patient care.
Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Social Care, highlighted the importance of AI in modernising healthcare delivery. He stated:
“This is smart, preventative healthcare in action, and exactly the kind of transformation we’re championing in our 10-year health plan – shifting from treating sickness to preventing it, from hospital to community care, and from analogue to digital solutions.”
Cera’s Commitment to Transforming Home Healthcare
Cera, the organisation behind the AI-driven care tool, has been at the forefront of integrating AI technology into home healthcare services. Dr Ben Maruthappu, Founder and Chief Executive of Cera, reinforced the company’s commitment to improving health outcomes through digital innovation:
“At Cera, we’ve seen first-hand how AI can transform health outcomes for high-risk and vulnerable individuals: preventing illness and injury, radically reducing avoidable hospitalisations, and empowering people to live longer, healthier lives, in their own homes.
“We’re delighted to partner with the NHS to roll out our technology – keeping older and vulnerable people across the country out of hospital and safe at home.”
In January 2025, Cera completed a funding transaction worth over $150 million (£123 million) to expand its AI-powered home healthcare solutions further. This investment is expected to accelerate the adoption of predictive care technology across the UK, reinforcing efforts to make healthcare more proactive, personalised, and efficient.
As the NHS continues to navigate increasing demand and seasonal pressures, the widespread implementation of AI-driven health monitoring could prove to be a crucial step in reducing hospital admissions, optimising resources, and improving patient outcomes.
