Technology
The rise of the robots in Scotland
Executive Chair of InnoScot Health, Graham Watson, analyses the rise of the robots across Scotland’s healthcare ecosystem and highlights the huge potential for transforming patient outcomes.
It is no coincidence that Scottish healthcare continues to invest in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) given the sustained drip-feed of success stories that has emerged over recent years. Following an initial announcement of fresh investment by the Scottish Government in 2021 that would see surgical robots based in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian, NHS Tayside, NHS Grampian, NHS Fife, NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Highland, rollout has continued to other boards. A game-changing investment of some
£25m to date has been vital to efficiency by allowing for more advanced treatment than was previously possible, among many other additional benefits. Indeed, the forward-thinking strategy continues to gift human surgeons enhanced precision and control, leading to faster patient recovery, reduced pain, and lower risk of infection. The direction of travel is now clear –
transforming patient outcomes, easing waiting list pressures, enhancing equity of access – and eventually RAS will become the standard for many operations, supplementing the country’s expert surgeons. There is so much potential, including AI integration to enhance imaging, analyse patient data for optimal personalised approaches, and support more autonomous, complex, and remote procedures. A study published earlier this year, titled
‘Robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement in NHS Scotland: trends and efficiency implications (2020–2024)’1
also noted: “While robotic-
assisted hip and knee replacement is currently concentrated among experienced surgeons, its most transformative potential may lie in standardising outcomes across varying levels of surgical expertise. “Robotic platforms enable precise and
consistent implant positioning, thereby reducing variability between high and low-volume surgeons.” It added that “investment in staff training, equitable distribution of robotic platforms, and continuous outcome monitoring will be critical. Ultimately, improved procedural predictability
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I June 2026 Above: Robotic-assisted surgery using Intuitive’s Da Vinci technology
and reduced variability support wider NHS goals of operational efficiency, optimised patient flow, and consistent, high-quality surgical care.” Improved access to Da Vinci RAS has formed
a key component of the Scottish Cancer Action Plan for 2023-2026 which highlighted the need to look at “where further use of robotic-assisted surgery would be of most benefit” – and that has been actioned. Only recently, NHS Forth Valley received a
fresh £2.5m boost, allowing it to introduce Da Vinci RAS and follow other health boards in enhancing the delivery of complex surgery across colorectal, gynaecology and urology services, including cancer care. The health board also noted the wider benefits
of this – of shorter hospital stays helping to free up inpatient beds and improve patient flow across the Forth Valley Royal Hospital site; of supporting faster transfers from the Emergency Department for patients who require admission; reduced use of post-operative pain relief; and shorter procedures reducing the use of carbon dioxide
gases in theatre. It added: “Having an in-house robotic surgery service would reduce the need for patients and clinicians to travel out with Forth Valley for treatment, helping to lower the overall carbon footprint. Most staff training would be delivered locally, further minimising travel. “Robotic-assisted surgery also offers important benefits for staff. Improved ergonomics reduce physical strain on surgeons, helping to minimise fatigue and injury while supporting long-term wellbeing and career sustainability.” Since the Scottish Government first revealed plans five years ago to start rolling out the adoption of surgical robots, significant progress has been made, including 10,000 patients benefitting from RAS – a milestone for NHS Scotland announced in January last year. Commenting on that achievement, Professor
Campbell Roxburgh, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, University of Glasgow and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: “Thanks to the Scottish Government’s continued investment in this
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