Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, has opened its new UK & Ireland headquarters which includes the UK’s largest da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) training centre.
The new state-of-the-art training facility in Winnersh Triangle, Reading, has capacity to provide technology training for da Vinci surgical systems to thousands more surgeons. The 21,000 sq. ft site, which triples Intuitive’s local footprint, will host the latest Intuitive technology including the da Vinci 5, Xi and SP Surgical Systems, and the Ion endoluminal system.
Intuitive’s Global Professional Education & Programme Services portfolio is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, with more than 1,300 surgeons in the UK and Ireland trained to use da Vinci surgical systems and more than 89,000 trained worldwide.
David Marante, Vice President of Intuitive UK & Ireland, said: “For 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting hospitals to implement da Vinci RAS programmes in the UK and Ireland, working together to help improve patient outcomes, enhance patient and care team experience, drive productivity, and lower the total cost of care.
“Now, with our new expanded regional headquarters and training centre, we’re committing to the future - to expand equity of access for patients to quality, minimally invasive care with da Vinci and Ion systems, and to continue meeting the needs of care teams, hospitals and the NHS.
“The UK Government has made clear its commitment for more patients to benefit from robotic-assisted surgery. We’re here to help it deliver.”
Lord Ara Darzi performed the UK’s first da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery procedure in 2000. Now, in the UK and Ireland, more than 300,000 patients have benefitted from da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery and over 200 da Vinci surgical systems are used in hospitals across a range of surgical specialties.
Earlier this year the UK Government, in its 10 Year Health Plan, and NHS England announced ambitions for millions more patients to access robotic-assisted surgery over the next decade. Intuitive’s investment in its new headquarters and training centre reflects its commitment to helping more patients to benefit from minimally invasive care.
Health Innovation Minister, Dr. Zubir Ahmed, said: “As an NHS surgeon and someone who performed robotic surgery early in its evolution, I know first-hand the potential of robot surgical systems like these.
“This new training centre will benefit thousands more surgeons and their patients, as we shift healthcare from analogue to digital and build an NHS that is fit for the future.
“Our 10 Year Health Plan will ensure patients get access to the latest innovations, expanding the use of robotic surgery, to deliver better, safer care.”
Minister for AI, Kanishka Narayan, said: "This is great news for doctors and patients alike. Intuitive are putting more cutting-edge tech on the frontlines of healthcare to transform outcomes for people and train the next generation of British surgeons in the process.
"Technology like this isn't just a win for the health sector though, it's a huge vote of confidence in British tech - putting home-grown expertise at the heart of the innovations which are transforming lives for people the world over."
Intuitive welcomed employees and guests to the official site opening, where Dr Zubir Ahmed, Minister for the Department of Health and Social Care, and Kanishka Narayan, Minister for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, cut the ribbon to the training centre using the fifth generation da Vinci 5 Surgical System.
Dr Myriam Curet, Intuitive Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, said: “We’re proud to offer comprehensive, ongoing education and training that supports clinicians and care teams in integrating our technology into patient care. As access to minimally invasive care continues to grow, we’re deepening our roots in Europe to continue supporting successful da Vinci and Ion programmes now and into the future.”
Intuitive has over 120 employees in the UK and Ireland including commercial, clinical affairs, training and enabling functions, and has tripled its training personnel as part of the expansion.
