Kent and Canterbury Hospital has become the first NHS facility in England to use an artificial intelligence tool designed to detect sepsis and infection risk. The system, known as MEMORI, monitors routine clinical data—including blood pressure, temperature, and blood test results—to generate a continuous infection-risk score for patients, according to East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
How MEMORI Functions at the Bedside
The MEMORI tool operates by analyzing patient observations already recorded by nursing staff. By analyzing these data points alongside patient demographics and current medications, the software identifies subtle physiological shifts that may indicate the onset of sepsis.
For clinical staff, the system serves as a digital safety net. Eibhlin Moore, the deteriorating patient lead nurse at the Trust, stated that the tool provides an opportunity to identify infections earlier. By automating the analysis of complex data, the system aims to reduce the manual burden on nurses, allowing them to focus on direct patient care rather than data processing, according to Sanome founder Benedikt von Thüngen.
Did you know? The development of MEMORI was inspired by personal experience.
Early Implementation and Patient Involvement
The pilot program is currently underway on the Harvey ward at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Victor Casambros, a patient recovering from a stroke, was the first individual to have his data processed by the system. Student nursing associate Bobbie Buddle, who performed the initial observations, noted the potential for the technology to assist in high-pressure hospital environments.
Unlike traditional diagnostic methods that may rely on periodic manual checks, this AI-driven approach leverages historical data from thousands of other patients to predict individual risk. The partnership between the NHS Trust and Sanome offers the technology cost-free, marking a shift toward integrating bedside AI into standard hospital protocols, according to Trust reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MEMORI tool actually measure?
MEMORI analyzes routine clinical observations, including patient blood pressure, temperature, blood test results, medication history, and demographic data to assess infection risk.
Is this tool replacing doctors or nurses?
No. According to the Trust, the tool is designed to alert clinicians to review a patient, effectively acting as an assistant that frees up staff to focus on care rather than hunting for information.
Where is this technology currently in use?
The pilot program is currently active on the Harvey ward at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, part of the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.
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