A PATIENTS’ champion has expressed ‘concern’ about a review into how tens of thousands of NHS staff can be trained to use artificial intelligence and robotics.

Genetist Dr Eric Topol will look at opportunities where the NHS could invest in training for existing staff.

Dr Topol will look at technologies such as artificial intelligence (including robotics), genomics and digital medicine.

He has also said remote monitoring of conditions, online consultations and telemedicine is set to become the norm within a decade and has predicted they will soon outnumber face-to-face consultations.

The US medic said the use of artificial intelligence could mean fewer doctors are needed in some areas.

But East Lancashire’s patients’ champion Russ McLean described the plans as ‘dangerous’ and said they could lead to job losses and reduced services for patients.

He said: “I was speaking to Kevin McGee, East Lancashire Hospital Trust’s chief executive about how artificial intelligence can play a role in the health service earlier this week.

“I know that there are care homes in the area who are trialling use of technology as part of their care packages.

“I think this is quite dangerous to rely on technology in this way and we are living in an area of high deprivation where people don’t necessarily have access to technology or can afford it.

“In terms of Skype, this seems like another way to stop patients from going to see their GP and appointments would lose the personal touch that face-to-face consultations have.

“I’d also be worried about loss of jobs to health service staff and reduced services hat could come from technology and robots.”

But Dr Topol said artificial intelligence, digital medicine and genomics will have an ‘enormous impact for improving the efficiency and precision in healthcare.’

He said: “Our review will focus on the extraordinary opportunities to leverage these technologies for the healthcare workforce and power a sustainable and vibrant NHS.”

Dr Topol will also consider the implications on the skills required of future healthcare professionals.

He previously led a US research programme on using technology and data for more precise, tailored patient treatment.

He will begin with a visit to Moorfields Eye Hospital to see its life-changing technology in action.

The hospital is looking at how machine-learning technology could help analyse eye scans.

Health and Social Care secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said: "Every week we hear about exciting new developments surfacing in the NHS which could help provide answers to some of our greatest challenges such as cancer or chronic illness.

“These give us a glimpse of what the future of the whole NHS could be, which is why in the year of the NHS’ 70th birthday I want to empower staff to offer patients modern healthcare more widely and more quickly.

“I’m delighted that Dr Topol is kicking off this review – ensuring the NHS is at the forefront of life-saving, life-changing care across the globe for decades to come.