Cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to transform how wounds are assessed and monitored in patients’ homes
8 December 2025
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has become one of the first in the UK to pilot cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to transform how wounds are assessed and monitored in patients’ homes.
The Minuteful for Wound app allows clinicians to capture high-resolution wound images using only a smartphone and a calibration sticker. The AI system analyses and measures wounds instantly, uploading results to a secure portal for continuous monitoring. This provides real-time visibility of wound healing progress, supports early detection of complications, and helps accelerate recovery for patients with complex or chronic wounds.
The pilot was launched with Sheffield community district nursing teams in Woodhouse, Darnall, and Ecclesfield in September.
A patient-facing version of the app called Minuteful for Wound@Home, will also be trialled. This will enable patients to scan and track their wounds at home, with data securely shared with clinicians for review and early intervention. This self-management approach could cut unnecessary clinic visits while empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery.
With the NHS treating 3.8 million people with wounds each year at a cost of over £8.3 billion, the technology could pave the way for faster, and more consistent wound care nationwide.
Saul Hill, Professional Head of Podiatry at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We’re excited to be trialling cutting-edge AI technology to enhance wound care. The introduction of Minuteful for Wound provides real-time visibility of wound healing progress, supports early detection of complications, and helps accelerate recovery for patients with complex or chronic wounds. The addition of the patient-facing app also empowers people to take an active role in managing their wounds at home, which is particularly valuable for those with long-term or palliative care needs.”
Supporting the ambitions of the new 10-year NHS Plan, this two-part pilot is part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals drive to use appropriate technology to bring care closer to patients’ homes, where practical, rather than patients always having to come into hospital.
This project has been kindly supported by Sheffield Hospitals Charity through the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Dragons’ Den Innovation Fund.
