Technology is becoming a key part of the UK’s care sector, with innovations like pain-detecting apps, sleep-monitoring sensors, and robotic training aids beginning to transform services. As the ageing population grows, care homes and providers are increasingly turning to AI to ease workloads and improve outcomes for residents.

Some care homes are already using tools like Painchek, an app that helps identify discomfort in non-verbal residents, and night-time sensors that alert staff to unusual activity. These tools aim to improve care quality while reducing preventable hospital admissions and allowing residents to rest undisturbed. Meanwhile, researchers in Oxford are developing robots that help train carers by mimicking patient reactions to physical touch.

Despite the benefits, experts urge caution. Dr Caroline Green from the University of Oxford warns that AI must be used carefully and ethically, ensuring it complements rather than replaces human interaction. She raised concerns about data privacy, potential biases, and a lack of national guidance on AI in social care.

While the government is keen to promote innovation, voices across the sector stress that AI should be a supportive tool - not a substitute for skilled professionals. As reliance on overseas workers falls, experts argue the human element of care must remain at the heart of the system.

A major investment of £102 million has been announced to help modernise and expand around one in six GP practices in England. The government says this is the largest investment in GP facilities in five years, with work expected to begin over the summer. The funding will support improvements such as converting office areas into consultation rooms and developing brand-new practice sites.

This move comes amid growing dissatisfaction with GP services, as recent figures show that 40% of GPs consider their premises unfit for purpose. Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the funding as a “significant step” but acknowledged that the overhaul won’t resolve all the challenges facing primary care. He added that the improvements are possible due to recent financial decisions made during the Budget.

Medical leaders have expressed cautious optimism. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said the funding was a “welcome short-term measure” but called for sustained investment to tackle outdated infrastructure that limits both staff efficiency and patient care. Similarly, the NHS Confederation stressed the importance of continued support for modern facilities and digital advancements.

Despite the investment, it remains unclear which of England’s 6,252 GP practices will receive funding. The announcement follows a separate £80m initiative launched last month to enhance community care and reduce hospital admissions.