Miss Tamsyn Grey, Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, Clinical Lead for Robotic Surgery, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, gives a surgeon’s perspective on the contribution that robotic-assisted surgery can have in tackling the backlog.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS has found itself navigating an unprecedented elective care backlog. At its peak in September 2023, the elective waiting list in England exceeded 7.8 million patients, the highest on record.1 For Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT), the pressure to deliver safe, efficient surgical care while meeting rising demand echoed the challenges faced in the rest of the country.
Amidst this challenge, however, we've seen cause for cautious optimism. By combining new technologies with pragmatic service redesign and focused workforce development, CHFT has seen tangible progress on backlogs. Since the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery in 2023, CHFT has achieved a 30% reduction in its elective backlog. While this success is the result of a broad series of initiatives, data suggests the integration of surgical robotics is an important factor contributing to this progress.
As Clinical Lead for Robotic Surgery and a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at CHFT, I've observed how a thoughtfully implemented robotic programme, rooted in multidisciplinary buy-in and supported by internal training and mentorship, can enhance surgical practice, support teams and ultimately improve access to care for patients.
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