LIVING LAB
AI-enabled Regions: Barnsley Tech Town
Barnsley is leading the way as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town. Our Living Lab, in partnership with Barnsley Hospital, is trialling AI and digital solutions to make it faster and easier for patients to reschedule appointments, helping reduce missed appointments and improve outpatient flow, while easing pressure on administrative teams through 24/7 access.
Government Priority
Analogue to digital
Setting Category
Primary, secondary & community care
Setting type
Regional approach
Barnsley Tech Town aims to combine cutting-edge technology with everyday usefulness, creating a national blueprint for making AI work for our people and healthcare services. The Living Lab tests solutions alongside NHS staff and patients to improve patient experience, make better use of clinical time and establish a practical approach to health and care that can be adopted across the country.
Why this matters
Implementing secure digital solutions
This Living Lab explores technologies and approaches, including:
Clinic utilisation
AI-enablement
AI chatbots
Digital skills
Patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU)
Through collaboration and real-world testing, this Living Lab:
Creating better outcomes
Reduces do-not-attend appointment slots
Improves appointment utilisation
Reduces pressure on administrative teams
Makes better use of clinical time
Improves the patient experience
Enables the everyday adoption of AI
Generates data-driven evidence
The Water Meadow View Living Lab brings together NHS, technology partners and academic researchers to co-design, test and evaluate digital solutions before wider adoption.
Who's involved
The latest insights
Get involved
Interested in contributing to the Water Meadow View Living Lab? Get in touch to discuss collaboration opportunities, research or new challenges.
