Try GOLD - Free
Millions to Have Robotic Ops on NHS to Cut Waiting Times
The Guardian
|June 11, 2025
Millions more people will have robotic surgery over the next decade under NHS plans to slash the huge waiting list for hospital treatment.
The move will see a significant expansion in how often surgeons deploy robots when treating people for cancer, hysterectomies and joint replacements as well as in medical emergencies.
The number of patients undergoing robot-assisted surgery is due to rise from 70,000 to 500,000 a year by 2035, the head of the NHS in England will announce today.
"The NHS has pledged to return to shorter elective waiting times by 2029 and we are using every tool at our disposal to ensure patients get the best possible treatment," Sir Jim Mackey, NHS England's chief executive, will say.
"Expanding the use of new and exciting tech such as robotic surgery will play a huge part in this.
"Not only does it speed up the number of procedures the NHS can do, but it also means better outcomes, a faster recovery and shorter hospital stays for patients."
This story is from the June 11, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
Albanese rules out link between gunmen and wider terrorist cell
Investigators in Australia have dismissed suggestions that two gunmen who opened fire on a crowd celebrating a Jewish festival in Sydney on Sunday, killing 15 people and injuring dozens, were part of a wider terror network.
3 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
Italian PM to auction off gifts given by world leaders for charity
Passing on unwanted gifts might be considered discourteous - unless it is done the right way.
2 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
Oxfam chief executive's exit sparks row among its board of trustees
An extraordinary row has broken out at Oxfam over the treatment of its outgoing chief executive.
2 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
US firm behind Roomba robot vacuum files for bankruptcy
The US company behind the Roomba robot vacuum has filed for bankruptcy protection and will be taken over by one of its Chinese suppliers.
1 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
Liverpool parade car attacker was 'man in a rage'
A former Royal Marine was a \"man in a rage\" as he mowed down dozens of fans of Liverpool football club at a victory parade in what many feared was a terrorist attack, a court has heard.
3 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
NHS dentists to be paid more for emergency appointments
Dentists in England will be paid more to ensure patients have easier access to emergency appointments under new government plans, but experts have expressed doubt that it will improve care.
1 min
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
Cliff Richard backs prostate screening as he tells of cancer
Cliff Richard has revealed he has been treated for prostate cancer for the past year.
1 min
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
Washington freezes Britain’s £31bn ‘step change’ tech deal
The US has paused its promised multibillion-pound investment into British tech over trade disagreements, marking a major setback in US-UK relations.
3 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
With critical details missing from the workers' rights bill, the big battles are yet to come
Will the employment rights bill be passed by Christmas?
2 mins
December 16, 2025
The Guardian
Albanese PM rejects Netanyahu criticism
Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has rejected accusations from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, that Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state earlier this year had contributed to Sunday's deadly antisemitic terrorist attack on Bondi beach in Sydney.
2 mins
December 16, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size