Digital Dispatches explores AI and machine learning in health and care
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October 6, 2026
What is artificial intelligence (AI), how does it work, and what could it mean for health and social care?
In the latest Digital Dispatches: HSC Year of Data mini-series, Tom Simpson, Director of DHCNI & Deputy CDIO introduced the session highlighting AI isn’t a technology of the future in health and social care, but rather, it is here now and currently being used. Tom explained the growing importance of AI across the system and the need for staff to understand both its potential benefits and the questions it raises around safety, privacy, accountability and responsible adoption.
Colleagues then heard from Philip Donaghy and William Duffy, Data Scientists from the HSC Data Institute, who whilst obtaining their PhDs at Ulster University were involved in extensive AI research. Philip and William provided a practical and accessible introduction to AI and machine learning. They explored how these technologies are already being used across health and care, the opportunities they present for improving services, and the important considerations around safety, privacy, governance and accountability.
The session explained key AI concepts in plain English, highlighted real-world examples from healthcare, and offered practical advice on topics such as generative AI, large language models, prompt engineering and responsible adoption. The overarching message was that AI should be viewed as a tool to support people, helping staff work more effectively while maintaining human judgement and oversight.
The webinar sparked significant interest from attendees, with a lively discussion in the chat exploring both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI in health and care. The range of questions and comments demonstrated a growing appetite to learn more and highlighted the healthy debate taking place across HSC about how these emerging technologies can be used responsibly to improve outcomes for patients, service users and staff.
Whether you’re completely new to AI or looking to build your understanding, this recording provides a useful starting point and helps demystify one of the most talked-about technologies in health and care today.
Watch Introduction to AI and Machine Learning Here:
Page last updated: 6 October 2026