Robots to perform surgery to cut hospital waiting times in UK

The NHS plans to significantly expand robotic surgery, aiming for 500,000 procedures annually by 2035. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the technology's precision and faster recovery, noting that robotic techniques can halve hospital stays and reduce tissue damage.

Sir Jim Mackey stated this expansion will help achieve shorter waiting times by 2029. By 2035, robotic surgery could handle 2.5 to 3 million operations, significantly increasing from the current 70,000.

The approach will also broaden to include more complex surgeries. Additionally, experts see potential cost savings and less strain on surgeons, further enhancing patient care.