Why Localisation is the Missing Link in NHS AI Adoption 

AI is no longer a promise for the future of healthcare; it has already become a powerful ally in how the NHS delivers care today. From speeding up cancer detection to predicting cardiovascular risks before symptoms appear, artificial intelligence has moved out of the research lab and into clinical reality. 

But while the conversation often focuses on algorithms, processing power, and clinical accuracy, there is a less flashy (yet equally vital) factor that determines whether these innovations succeed: localisation. 

Localisation is about much more than translation. It is the adaptation of language, cultural context, and regulatory requirements to ensure that health data platforms can be trusted and effectively used across diverse NHS settings. Without it, even the most advanced AI technology risks exclusion, misunderstanding, or rejection. 

The Rise of AI in the NHS 

The NHS has become a global leader in AI adoption. In 2019, the NHS AI Lab was launched with a £250 million investment, designed to accelerate the integration of cutting-edge AI tools into frontline care. Since then, more than 80 technologies have received support through the AI in Health and Care Award. 

The momentum has only grown. In 2023, NHS England announced a further £21 million in funding to expand the use of AI in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke care, according to the UK Government. These investments reflect a recognition that AI can save time, reduce pressure on clinical staff, and, most importantly, improve patient outcomes. 

Yet, as AI-driven platforms integrate into patient apps, clinical dashboards, and NHS electronic systems, a critical barrier emerges: ensuring every patient and clinician can engage with these tools effectively. 

Why Localisation Matters in AI Health Platforms 

The UK is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Europe. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2021 Census revealed that approximately 1 in 10 people in England and Wales do not use English as their primary language. For the NHS, this is not a peripheral issue. It is a central part of equitable care. 

NHS Digital guidelines clearly state that digital health tools must be accessible to all patient populations. That means AI platforms must support localisation across: 

• Patient-facing applications and portals
• Digital consent forms and eConsent platforms
• Clinical, regulatory, and safety documentation

Without this, the NHS risks reinforcing health inequalities and potentially exposing patients to harm due to miscommunication. 

The Risks of Poor Localisation 

The dangers of neglecting localisation are not theoretical. 

A BMJ Open study on Miscommunication in Healthcare (2022) highlighted that patients who do not fully understand healthcare instructions are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and lower treatment adherence. This is not only a patient safety issue, but it also increases pressure on already stretched NHS services. 

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which governs medical devices and health technologies in the UK, requires that documentation and labelling are linguistically and culturally accurate. A lack of compliance here can lead to delays in approval and block NHS adoption entirely. 

Moreover, Deloitte’s 2023 digital health report emphasised that localisation is “as critical as technical performance” when it comes to patient engagement. Without cultural adaptation, even the most technically sound AI solution may fail to gain traction. 

And let’s not forget the financial implications. Failure to localise early often leads to expensive rework, delayed product launches, and strained relationships with regulators and healthcare providers. 

The Strategic Value of Localisation 

For AI-driven health platforms, localisation should not be seen as an afterthought. Instead, it must be built into the development process from day one. 

This approach offers several strategic advantages: 

1. Regulatory Compliance – Meeting MHRA, EMA, and FDA requirements ensures faster approvals.
2. Patient Trust – Culturally adapted content increases patient confidence in digital health tools.
3. Clinician Adoption – Clear, accessible interfaces reduce training time and resistance from healthcare professionals.
4. Cost Efficiency – Proactive localisation avoids expensive retrofitting and retranslation later.
5. Global Scalability – Platforms designed with localisation in mind can more easily expand into international markets.

Case in Point: Patient Engagement and eConsent 

One area where localisation makes a measurable impact is digital consent. Many AI health platforms now integrate eConsent modules, allowing patients to review, understand, and agree to treatments or clinical trial participation digitally. 

If this content is not accurately localised, patients may misunderstand risks, rights, or procedures, potentially invalidating consent. This is not only an ethical issue but also a regulatory one. Inadequate localisation in eConsent has already led to trial delays and compliance failures in several EU countries. 

For the NHS, which is increasingly using digital consent processes to streamline workflows, accurate localisation is therefore essential. 

How Avantpage Life Sciences Supports AI Health Platforms 

At Avantpage Life Sciences, we understand that the future of healthcare innovation depends on bridging technical excellence with patient accessibility. We work with AI-driven health data platforms to embed localisation at every stage of development. 

Our solutions include: 

• Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring full compliance with MHRA, EMA, and FDA guidelines.
• Patient-Focused Localisation: Culturally adapted, plain-language content to build patient trust.
• ISO-Certified Workflows: Guaranteeing consistency, security, and quality across all translations.
• Sector-Wide Expertise: Supporting pharma, med tech, biotech, and clinical trial organisations.

By partnering with us, AI health platforms can accelerate NHS adoption while avoiding regulatory pitfalls, delays, and unnecessary costs. 

Localisation as a Strategic Necessity 

AI is not just a tool for the NHS; it is rapidly becoming an operational backbone. From predictive analytics to patient-facing apps, these technologies are poised to define the future of healthcare delivery. 

But technical brilliance alone is not enough. Success depends on whether innovations are accessible, understandable, and compliant across diverse populations. Localisation is therefore not a “nice to have”. It is a strategic necessity for every AI health data platform seeking NHS integration. 

At Avantpage Life Sciences, we are committed to helping organisations cross this bridge. With our expertise in regulatory compliance and patient-focused localisation, we enable innovators to deliver real impact where it matters most: at the point of care. 

If you are developing or scaling an AI-driven health platform, consider how localisation can accelerate your NHS journey. To learn more about our work and explore how we can support your goals, contact the Avantpage Life Sciences team.