P R E S S   R E L E A S E

First-of-its-kind tool safeguards NHS patient data amid rising confidentiality breaches

• 73% of people do not trust big tech firms with their personal information
• More than 8,000 health sector data breaches were reported from 2019-2024
• Lexacom launches pioneering tool that redacts confidential patient data before AI processing

 
Dr Andrew Whiteley live on the Sophie Law Breakfast Show, BBC Radio Oxford 17 April 2025.

In response to data privacy concerns amid rising AI integration in healthcare – almost 8,000 health sector data breaches have been reported across the UK since 2019 – British MedTech firm Lexacom has launched a first-of-its-kind tool.

Known as Patient Shield, it ensures patient confidentiality by automatically redacting personal identifiable data information before AI processing. It is the only tool in the UK that prioritises privacy while allowing clinicians to enjoy the efficiencies AI assistance can bring.

“The NHS is under pressure to embrace AI, but many current solutions fail to meet data security standards,” explains Dr Andrew Whiteley, founder and Managing Director of Lexacom. “Patient Shield is designed to allow healthcare professionals to harness the benefits of AI while fully safeguarding patient data.”

While public sentiment towards AI in healthcare is becoming increasingly positive – more than half of people (54%) support the use of AI for patient care – a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Lexacom has found that 73% of people do not trust big tech firms with their personal information.

“These figures highlight a critical tension: while the public is increasingly open to AI-driven healthcare solutions, concerns about data privacy remain a significant barrier to trust. Addressing these worries is essential, and one key approach is ensuring patient data remains protected while still allowing for the responsible and beneficial use of AI in healthcare,” says Andrew.

Find out more

• Automatically generate accurate clinical notes with ambient AI
• All-new Lexacom platform offers endless possibilities in one solution
• Workflow management that prioritises what matters most to you

Lexacom has a 25-year history of developing NHS-compliant digital tools – 60% of UK GPs use its software – including the first clinical system integration in 1999, mobile dictation in 2013, and cloud-based speech recognition in 2016. Today, its latest platform ensures AI can be used safely in clinical documentation while reducing administrative burdens on healthcare professionals – another first.

“For more than a quarter of a century we’ve developed solutions that empower clinicians and enhance patient care,” says Andrew. “Leveraging the latest in AI to create accurate and safe consultation notes and clinical documentation is a natural evolution of our expertise. Our new platform is designed to support healthcare professionals by reducing the administrative burden and freeing up their time to focus on what matters most – their patients.”

Patient Shield seamlessly integrates with Lexacom’s suite of workflow, ambient AI, digital dictation, and speech recognition tools, offering a streamlined and efficient experience for healthcare professionals.

“Our technology is designed to support, not replace, quality healthcare. We are committed to offering a trusted solution that bridges the gap between technological innovation and compassionate care while protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access,” concludes Andrew.

Interviews available with Lexacom’s Dr Andrew Whiteley.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,266 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th – 21st March 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

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