St Vincent’s has established a national AI Clinical Council to guide the adoption and governance of artificial intelligence across its hospital and aged care services.
The council brings together clinical leaders from across the organisation to advise on identifying, evaluating and scaling AI technologies, with a focus on patient care, clinician wellbeing and the safe and ethical use of AI.
St Vincent’s operates 12 public and private hospitals and 25 aged care facilities across Australia, as well as research, home and virtual care services.
The council held its first meeting in Melbourne, facilitated by MIT Sloan School of Management senior lecturer Jonathan Ruane.
St Vincent’s chief medical officer Dr Chris Robinson said the council would bring clinical expertise, operational experience and community perspectives into decisions about AI adoption.
“Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform healthcare, but only if it is implemented in ways that strengthen, rather than diminish, the human relationships at the heart of care,” Dr Robinson said.
“Because we operate across hospitals, aged care, research and care in the home, we are exposed to a wide range of patient needs, clinical environments, and levels of digital maturity.
“That gives us a unique perspective on how AI can be used safely, responsibly and equitably across the health system for the benefit of people – both who are cared for by the system and who work in the system.”
The council will not replace existing clinical governance or approval processes but will provide advice informed by frontline clinicians, operational staff, patients and residents.
Its establishment also supports St Vincent’s ambition to deliver half of its services in the home or through digital channels by 2030 – including through the use of emerging technologies such as AI.
Dr Robinson said the organisation had also written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for health and aged care to be represented in the development of Australian standards for AI use.
“As AI becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to help shape the conversation nationally,” he said.
“Our focus is not just on what AI can do, but on how it can support human dignity, equity, trust and better health outcomes.”
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