NHS digital health governance faces AI visibility and youth needs

A survey of 100 senior NHS cyber and digital leaders revealed that only 41% have full visibility of shadow AI tools, while 58% cite a lack of board mandate as the biggest barrier to AI governance. Nearly 90% rate their AI governance maturity as medium or high, but only 38% would reliably detect an AI‑related patient‑safety incident within 24 hours. The report also highlights gaps in clinical accountability and regulatory readiness.

In South Yorkshire, the NHS‑backed Digital Health Hub partnered with the Association of Young People with Health (AYPH) and young adults living with long‑term conditions to produce a Young Adults’ Digital Health Charter. The charter outlines ten principles for inclusive digital health design, emphasizing the need to move beyond assumptions about youth digital literacy and to provide proper training and support for digital health tools.

Both initiatives aim to improve the safety, accountability, and user‑centred design of digital health technologies across the UK health system.