NHS England: Implementation of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in England (May 2025)

Summary

Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) has published a new guide to help the NHS increase its use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) programmes in NHS trusts, including training of staff, evaluation and safety monitoring.  The guide presents a framework that will help NHS providers and ICBs as commissioners to adopt a co-ordinated approach, supporting clinical teams to implement RAS programmes that are cost-effective, efficient and equitably provided for patients.  

Working with NHS England’s elective recovery team and the surgical Royal Colleges, GIRFT is helping to meet the commitment of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan that seeks to ensure the provision of a fully trained, accredited RAS surgical workforce. The new guide, called ‘Implementation of robotic-assisted surgery in England’, describes the objectives and principles for robust and equitable service planning and design, as well as setting standards for safe implementation, workforce training and evaluation.