10170868Transforming NHS Appointments: Improving Experience and Efficiency through InnovationClosedFast Start ResponseInnovate UKOne of the big challenges in healthcare is missed appointments. When patients don't turn up, it can lead to worse health for them, longer waiting times for others, and it costs the NHS over £1 billion each year. Many booking systems that currently exist don't consider real-life barriers that stop people from attending, like day to day responsibilities or simply not understanding why the appointment matters. Even current digital tools like apps and text reminders that use AI don't fully solve the problem, especially for people who are less comfortable with technology or need more personalised support. This is particularly true for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with low health literacy, who are often left behind. The problem isn't just technical; it's about accessibility, communication, and understanding people's real lives. Reaching these patients requires a system that fits around their life, in their language, on familiar devices, and with the empathy that traditional tools often lack. HEXAI CARE is an innovative AI powered system that aims to tackle this issue by making appointment booking more personal and flexible. It uses a multilingual AI assistant to have conversations with patients at their convenience and collect useful information about their health, schedules, and preferences. Then, it offers appointment times that better suit each person's situation. It works for a wide range of medical needs and can be used in both urgent and routine care, not just in the NHS but also in private healthcare and internationally. This could lead to shorter waiting times, better care, and major cost savings. HEXAI CARE has already built a working version of the system, but now it needs to be tested in a real NHS setting to make sure it's safe, effective, and easy to use. To do this, the team is partnering with Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This clinical study will help improve the system and provide strong evidence that it works well. The HEXAI CARE team brings together experts in healthcare, technology, and innovation. They'll collect data on patient outcomes, costs, and user feedback to prove the benefits of the system. If successful, this could lead to wider adoption across the NHS and beyond, helping healthcare services run more smoothly and improving the experience for both patients and healthcare professionals.