NHS note-taking AI assistant, TORTUS (TORTUS AI, London, UK), has been found to reduce time spent on admin by over 50%, while retaining high levels of clinical accuracy.1
An assessment of the pilot undertaken at Leeds General Infirmary, UK, has observed that the introduction of ambient voice technology as a documentation tool significantly reduces administrative workload, saving approximately 13 minutes per consultation.
Trialled between February and April 2026, the tool serves to passively listen to consultations. This information is stored securely using encrypted, UK-based cloud servers, with all audios temporarily stored and automatically deleted after use. From the information gathered, TORTUS drafts clinical notes, which are then manually reviewed by the clinician before being finalised.
Analysis of the pilot data saw that administration time was reduced by 61%, with approximately 13 minutes saved per consultation. In addition to these statistical findings, HCPs from Leeds General Infirmary’s emergency departments reported feeling “less mentally drained” by repetitive admin tasks, allowing for greater “focus on the patient in front of them, rather than the screen.”1
Evaluation of the AI assistant reported no serious safety incidents during the 3-month trial, with high levels of clinical accuracy, including correct medication and allergy details, being upheld.
Following independent assessment by a UK approved body, it has been confirmed that TORTUS meets recognised safety and performance standards, and, in June, TORTUS became the maiden ambient voice technology to attain Class IIa medical device status under the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) scheme.
Following the positive results of the pilot, Leeds General Infirmary plans to introduce the tool in phases from Autumn 2026.
Taj Hassan, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, commented on the tool’s implementation, stating: “We are absolutely delighted with the initial results but we know that embedding technology into daily practices can be a huge challenge. We look forward to supporting this innovative service evaluation through its next stages.”
Overall, the NHS pilot suggests TORTUS could reduce workload, save clinicians’ time, and allow for greater focus on patient care. However, successful implementation will depend on ensuring data security, maintaining accuracy, and integration into existing workflows.
Reference
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