ELHT recognised nationally for innovative CLEARnotes project
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) has received a High Commendation at the 2025 HSJ Digital Awards for its CLEARnotes transformation project, recognised in the Supporting Elective Recovery Through Digital Innovation category.
The award celebrates the Trust’s use of CLEARnotes, an AI transcription tool developed to support nurse-led pre-operative assessments. Delivered in partnership with 33n and funded through an NHS England pilot, the project is a strong example of how well-supported digital innovation can deliver real benefits for both NHS staff and patients.
Since launching in September 2024, the six-month pilot at ELHT has delivered a 14 percent increase in clinician productivity. It has reduced administrative workload, allowed more time for direct patient care, and improved both staff wellbeing and patient experience.
The CLEARnotes tool automatically converts clinician-patient conversations into structured electronic notes, easing documentation pressures on frontline teams. Robust information governance and patient safety protocols were maintained throughout, and ongoing feedback from nursing staff helped shape improvements to the system during the pilot.
John Jeans, CEO of 33n and Founder of the National CLEAR Programme, said:
“East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has trailblazed AI adoption with the first deployment of CLEARnotes. Being shortlisted and ultimately commended at these awards is a testament to the clinicians – especially the nurses – who have embraced this technology and helped refine it. Their commitment is unlocking capacity and shaping the future of AI in healthcare.”
The team at ELHT, particularly the nurses using CLEARnotes on the front line, played a vital role in the project’s success. Their engagement and feedback have helped pave the way for broader adoption of AI tools across the NHS.
The HSJ Digital Awards recognise projects that use digital innovation to improve patient outcomes, workforce efficiency, and quality of care across the health service.
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