In response to the Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s announcement that robotic surgery and artificial intelligence will form the backbone of the NHS’s new 10-year reform plan, the Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI) at Bournemouth University stands ready to play a central role in shaping and delivering this vision.
Streeting’s plan outlines a bold shift in healthcare productivity and quality, including a commitment that one in eight operations will be robot-assisted within the next decade, up from one in sixty today. Hospitals not adopting this approach may face reduced tariffs, signalling a strong push for widespread technological adoption across the NHS.
At ORI, we welcome this strategy. Since its inception, ORI has been a leader in evaluating and implementing robotic-assisted surgery, particularly in orthopaedics, where we have pioneered large-scale studies on Mako robotic hip replacements. Our team has published some of the first independent UK data on the clinical and economic outcomes of robotic joint surgery, demonstrating its potential to improve recovery and reduce variability in care.
ORI’s expertise also extends to the digital domain. We are currently engaged in cutting-edge research using AI to monitor patient recovery, optimise theatre efficiency, and predict outcomes following surgery. Our interdisciplinary approach combines clinical excellence with health data science to deliver solutions that are both innovative and practical for NHS use.
Beyond robotics, Streeting’s plan calls for an expansion of AI-powered tools like ambient voice technology to reduce administrative burden on clinicians. ORI’s collaborations in this area are already exploring how AI can streamline documentation, improve data accuracy, and support clinical decision-making.
Professor Tom Wainwright, Deputy Head of ORI, commented:
“We are excited to see the government’s renewed focus on digital transformation in healthcare. At ORI, we’ve long believed that technologies like robotics and AI are essential for enhancing patient care and making the NHS more sustainable. We look forward to working with clinical partners and industry to turn this vision into reality.”
As the NHS embarks on this ambitious reform journey, ORI remains committed to supporting implementation through robust research, clinical evaluation, and workforce development. We are actively working with NHS Trusts, industry partners, and policymakers to ensure that digital and robotic technologies are deployed safely, effectively, and equitably across the UK.
Find out more information on the announcement here – Wes Streeting puts robotic surgeons at heart of 10-year plan for NHS
