We are trialing Ambient Voice Technology in some Outpatient appointments
From March 2026, we are running a 12-month trial of Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) in some of our Outpatient appointments.
Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) is like having a smart helper that, with your permission, listens to you and your clinician’s conversation during your consultation, automatically turning the conversation into notes.
This trial is starting with a small number of clinicians in Gynaecology, Urology, Neurology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Outpatient clinics.
If your clinic has the option to use AVT, you will be informed at the start of your appointment. We will only use AVT with your consent. If you choose not to consent to the use of AVT, your appointment will continue as normal.
What is AVT?
AVT is a smart tool that helps your healthcare team take notes during your appointment.
- It only listens to what you and your clinician talk about if you give consent, and it never records.
- It captures your conversation in real time and turns it into notes and letters for your health record.
- Your clinician checks everything to make sure it’s correct.
You might have seen something like this if you’ve ever talked to your phone, used voice commands in a car, or asked a smart speaker to do something.
What will happen if you say yes to AVT?
- A microphone, mobile device, or laptop will listen to what you and your clinician say during your appointment.
- Your appointment will feel the same, but your clinician won’t need to type as much – they can focus more on you.
- The AVT captures your words into text straight away and creates a summary and clinic letter.
- After your appointment, your clinician checks the notes and letters to make sure they are correct before adding them to your health record.
Why are we trialing AVT?
We want to see if AVT helps our patients and clinical teams.
- It lets clinicians spend more time talking to you instead of typing notes.
- It writes while you talk in real time, so your health records are more accurate and ready faster.
- This could mean letters or referrals get sent to your GP or other healthcare services more quickly after your appointment.
Your privacy is really important. At the start of your appointment, your clinician will tell you if AVT is an option. You can choose to have your appointment with or without AVT.
Your information is always encrypted and securely handled meeting GDPR and NHS standards. Only authorised staff at the hospital access it.
Do you store recordings of my appointment?
No, we don’t keep recordings.
- AVT writes down the words while you talk - it does not save the sound.
- Only discussions that are relevant to your care and documentation will be added to your health record.
- Private or sensitive conversations that aren’t about your care are not added.
- We always follow consent protocols in line with NHS guidance.
Can I choose not to have AVT during my appointment?
Yes, you can choose not to use AVT in your appointment. Your appointment will continue as normal. You are welcome to discuss your choice or concerns with your clinician who will respect your choice and ensure it is documented.
Who can I contact if I have questions about AVT before my appointment?
Contact your clinical team or clinic using the information at the top of your appointment letter. You are welcome to ask questions during your appointment.
More information
For details on how we collect, use and store personal information, including data collected via digital tools in outpatient settings, please visit our Privacy Policy and Data Protection webpage.