The subject of AI (artificial intelligence) is a point of debate from the dinner table to the offices of Whitehall and the NHS is working to use the technology, in its own words, in an ethical, efficient, and responsible manner.

Diligent use of AI could be invaluable and indeed hospitals have employed it in an effort to cut waiting times this winter.

However, while this innovation is bein applied, kit used in other healthcare settings is in dire need of updating, we report today.

NHS patients in the region are using beds and X-ray machines that are more than 20 years old, freedom of information requests show. According to data uncovered by the Liberal Democrats, some 1,685 hospital beds in Yorkshire and the Humber are more than a decade old, while 103 X-ray machines are also over 10 years old. There are also six MRI machines and one radiotherapy machine that is more than a decade old – despite advice from NHS England that CT and MRI scanners and X-ray machines should be replaced every 10 years to ensure they continue to operate reliably and produce clear images. Some regional trusts, meanwhile, are using computer operating systems that date back more than 20 years.

There are brighter examples of newer equipment improving care for patients. The YP reported earlier this month how some early prostate cancer patients at St James’s Hospital in Leeds can benefit from having their treatment planned using the MRI Simulator machine instead of the usual CT scan.

However, it is no secret that budgets are tight and charity fundraising alone cannot provide the wider region with the updated tech that it needs. In the year ahead, health and government leaders will need to work urgently to come up with a solution.