Surgeons respond to NHSE 'Millions to benefit from NHS robot drive'

Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) said:  

"Robotic-assisted surgery has the potential to improve patient care through faster recovery times and reduced complications. 

“None of this will be realised without further capital funding in the Spending Review to help NHS trusts invest in robotics and the infrastructure needed to house these systems.  Unless the government provides urgent capital funding, we risk a future where not all patients have access to robotics, and cutting-edge surgical technology operates in buildings that are quite literally falling down. 

“As surgeons, our priority remains ensuring patients get the right operation, at the right time, with the right technology. For some this will be robotic-assisted surgery, for others this might be traditional keyhole or open surgery. We also need to continue to grow the evidence base for the effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

1. RCS England is committed to the safe and responsible use of technology in surgical practice. Our Robotic-assisted surgery guidelines provide a broad framework for the safe adoption and sustainable expansion of RAS, including: a structured training pathway for established surgeons, leading to independent practice in RAS; sound governance practices; and roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including regulators, hospitals, surgeons and industry. This guidance will be updated later this year. 
2. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.  
3. For more information, please contact the press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.