Trialling of AI

Northdown Surgery is trialling the use of AI in some appointments

When you come to see us for an appointment, your clinician may be using a new computer-based tool to help them write their notes and reports or letters about your visit. The tool is called Tortus - it listens to you and the clinician during the appointment and generates a summary of the discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Tortus listen to what I am saying?

Tortus uses ‘ambient’ technology. This means it can turn words spoken by you, your relative, and the clinician, into written words (text). You might notice that the clinician wears a microphone, or that there is a microphone on a table or desk in the room. Tortus uses artificial intelligence (AI), which has been tested by clinicians. Tortus has been programmed to listen to all of the words spoken during the appointment. At the end of the appointment, Tortus summarises the important clinical content. The clinician will check any documents it produces for accuracy and completeness before approving them.

Is Tortus safe to use in my appointment?

We know that some people have concerns about the use of AI technology. The practice has carried out detailed and thorough safety checks to ensure that the technology is secure and approved by the NHS. Tortus will not keep your words. All data are kept securely on the NHS computer and are deleted after your notes are generated at the end of the consultation.

These notes will be copied into your clinical record by the clinician. Only clinician-approved documents will exist in the electronic patient record after the clinic.

Do I have to agree to Tortus being used in my appointment?

If you do not want Tortus to be used during the appointment, or if you change your mind during the session, please let your clinician know and they will stop the software.

Published: Feb 18, 2025