Published today at the Future of Surgery Festival (20-21 April) in Birmingham, the analysis shows patients face a postcode lottery in accessing robotic-assisted surgery on the NHS.
Tim Mitchell, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), will say later today: ‘It's clear from this data that there is an urgent need for more grip on where robots are located and how they are funded, to ensure robotic-assisted benefits all patients, not just those in the right postcode.'
The data shows some hospitals rely on charitable fundraising to purchase robotic platforms. For example, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust reported spending more than £2m raised through donations, underlining how can depend on local fundraising rather than consistent NHS funding.
NHS trusts in London have 28 systems, compared with just six across trusts in the South West and 15 in the East of England.
The findings come despite the Government identifying robotics as one of five ‘big bets' in its 10-Year Health Plan for England.
NHS England plans to dramatically increase the use of surgical robots, with half a million robotic-assisted operations a year by 2035, however, the analysis finds no consistent strategy for how robotic surgery should be funded, distributed or used across the NHS.
RCS England has argued its roll out must be underpinned by clinical evidence such as NICE's recent reviews - including the types of surgery it offers benefit for.
A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘This Government inherited an NHS going through the worst crisis in its history, but thanks to our investment and modernisation, waiting lists are at their lowest level for almost three years and more people are being treated within 18 weeks.
‘Robotic surgery is making a huge difference in our NHS today, with these cutting-edge machines speeding up treatment, reducing recovery times and allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.
‘As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan, the NHS is committed to the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery for an expanded range of procedures. This is just one of the ways in which we will continue to drive forward the very best standard of care for patients.'
