A new partnership between the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is creating a dedicated testing environment for emerging healthcare technologies in the NHS.

Launched on 2 September 2026, the Manchester Sandbox will allow promising medical technologies to be tested in real NHS settings while generating evidence about their safety and effectiveness with patients and healthcare professionals.

The programme is expected to include AI-enabled medical devices, including technology designed to identify patients who may face a higher risk of complications from long-term health conditions. The aim is to support earlier intervention and treatment.

Officials say the initiative could also help reduce pressure on NHS services, improve patient safety and speed up the adoption of technologies that demonstrate clear benefits.

Evidence and lessons from the Manchester programme could eventually be shared across the NHS, potentially helping other parts of the country introduce effective AI healthcare and digital health technologies more safely.