TORTUS AI: The startup transforming NHS consultations
The NHS has just completed the largest and most extensive trial of AI-scribe technology ever undertaken, and the results are nothing short of transformative. At the heart of this breakthrough is TORTUS, a UK-based AI start-up whose ambient voice technology has the potential to reshape how clinicians and patients experience healthcare.
Across nine NHS sites and more than 17,000 patient encounters, TORTUS AI freed up clinicians to spend nearly a quarter more time with patients, while cutting appointment lengths and boosting productivity. In A&E, doctors saw 13% more patients per shift thanks to the tool.
For clinicians, the change was “transformative”: less time typing, more time connecting. For patients, it meant better engagement during appointments, with 92% happy to give consent for the AI to be used.
Why this matters
Clinicians spend hours every day writing notes and letters. TORTUS removes that burden by automatically generating draft clinical notes during consultations, but always leaving the final say to the clinician. The result? Less admin, less burnout, and more focus on patients.
The trial, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital, is the largest of its kind in the world. The findings are already shaping NHS policy, informing national guidance on AI-scribing and the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
“We provided the technology and supported the design and delivery throughout the trial, as well as providing a lot of technical and operational resource.”
Backed by our Accelerator
We have supported TORTUS’ journey through our programme, providing the team with access to vital mentorship, speaking opportunities, and national networks.
“The NIA has been very helpful in arranging speaking opportunities and networking – helping us guide and shape the 10 Year Plan as well as securing press coverage.”
From startup struggles to system impact
Behind this milestone is years of hard work.
“This achievement is the culmination of 2.5 years of continuous work, crazy uphill struggles – probably the hardest possible route we could deliver a startup to the world via – and yet here we are, delivered and demonstrated and now capitalising on this success.”
The results show why that persistence matters. Economic modelling found that if scaled nationally across A&E, TORTUS could save £176m in documentation time and unlock £650m in extra clinical capacity every year.
What’s next?
This autumn, Great Ormond Street Hospital will roll out TORTUS across its outpatient services – a major step towards making AI-scribes part of everyday NHS care.
TORTUS isn’t just cutting admin. It’s giving time back to clinicians and patients – and proving how a determined start-up, supported by the NHS Innovation Accelerator, can truly transform healthcare.
You can view the full news story from Great Ormond Street Hospital. You can also connect with TORTUS via their innovation page.
