Reacting to the Government’s announcement of additional NHS funding and NHS England’s ambition for 90% of keyhole surgery to be robot-assisted by 2035, Professor Rowan Parks, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, said:
“Given the many existing demands on the NHS and public finances, the additional funding announced by the Chancellor in the Spending Review is welcome.
"We also acknowledge NHS England's ambition that 90% of keyhole surgery will involve a robot by 2035. It would be anticipated that widespread adoption of this innovative and developing technology will continue to bring benefits to patients, surgeons, and healthcare systems. Funding will be required for additional implementation of robotic systems, training of current and future staff and the theatre capacity to fully realise the desired impact on hospital stay and waiting times, and to refine the indications and application of this novel technology.
“NICE have committed to collect further information on a range of operations, such as hernia repairs, gallbladder surgery and joint replacements, to evaluate the impact that robotic surgery will have on clinical outcomes. The collection and analysis of such data is vital if we are to support and encourage clinicians to lead innovation and positive change in the NHS.
“As a College, we have developed a practical tool kit for NHS Trusts and Health Boards that provides a number of recommendations to ensure robotic surgery is safe and underpinned by strong governance processes. We have also developed education and training programmes for using this technology so look forward to working with NHS bodies as they roll out this expertise.”