North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) has celebrated a major milestone after completing its 10,000th robotic-assisted surgical procedure, marking more than a decade of commitment to innovation, clinical excellence and improved outcomes for patients.
The achievement aligns closely with the ambitions set out in the NHS 10 Year Plan, which highlighted NBT as a national example of excellence in robotic assisted surgery.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said:
“What Southmead Hospital is doing is a glimpse of the modern NHS we’re building. Robotic surgery used to be the stuff of science fiction, but I want to make it science-fact for hundreds of thousands of patients a year.
“When I had kidney cancer, my life was saved by an operation led by a world-class surgeon with assistance from a da-Vinci robot. I owe my life to that operation, and I’m repaying that debt by investing in this technology so it can benefit all who need it.
“These cutting edge machines speed up treatment, reduce recovery time and arm staff with the tools they need to cut waiting lists- already the lowest they’ve been in three years. That’s why we are rolling this out across the country, backed by our record £26 billion extra investment in the NHS.”
Robotic surgery is already helping people with a wide range of health conditions, such as prostate and bladder cancer and gynaecology conditions like endometriosis.
Maria Kane, Group Chief Executive at Bristol NHS Group which runs North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This milestone reflects more than a decade of work which aligns with the ambitions set out in the NHS 10‑Year Plan, which recognised North Bristol NHS Trust as a national example of excellence in robotic‑assisted surgery.
“By embracing technology that enhances precision and improves patient recovery, we are ensuring that our services continue to evolve in ways that benefit the people we care for. This achievement is something everyone at NBT can be enormously proud of as we continue to lead the way in pioneering, patient‑centred care.”
This milestone also highlights NBT’s longstanding collaboration with Intuitive, whose technology and expertise have supported the continued growth of the Trust’s robotic surgery programme.
An event to celebrate the milestone took place on Thursday 26 February 2026 in the Brunel Building atrium at Southmead Hospital. Staff, patients and members of the public, including a class of pupils from nearby Filton Avenue Primary School, were able to gain a close-up view of how robotic assisted surgical systems enhance precision and support complex surgery across multiple specialties through a demonstration da Vinci 5 Surgical System.
Many visitors took the opportunity to try the demo surgeon’s console themselves, guided by the Intuitive team, who were on hand to explain how the systems are used in real procedures and the benefits they can potentially bring to patients, including shorter hospital stays, fewer complications and faster recovery.
Throughout the day, the atrium was filled with a positive buzz, reflecting the pride and curiosity across the organisation. Achievements like this are only possible thanks to the dedication of NBT’s surgical teams and the many individuals who support them and embrace innovation.
NBT is one of the UK’s leading centres for robotic-assisted surgery, with established programmes in urology, colorectal, gynaecology and upper GI surgery. Over the past decade, robotic surgery at Southmead Hospital has contributed to shorter recovery times, reduced blood loss and increased surgical capacity.
As part of the celebration, Intuitive brought a new demonstration robot to the atrium, giving colleagues, patients and visitors the chance to experience the technology that has helped transform surgical care across Bristol and the wider region.
Attendees also heard first-hand from patients who have benefited from robotic-assisted surgery. Many described rapid recovery, minimal discomfort and a swift return to daily activities - demonstrating the significant benefits of minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures.
A milestone for surgical innovation in Bristol
Professor Tim Whittlestone, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer at Bristol NHS Group:
“Reaching our 10,000th robotic procedure is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of our surgical teams. Robotic-assisted surgery enables quicker procedures and allows us to carry out more procedures than ever before. It is transforming both the patient experience and the way we deliver surgical care.”
Former BBC West correspondent Clinton Rogers, who previously underwent robotic-assisted surgery, shared his experience:
“I underwent robotic surgery in June to have my prostate removed. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how little pain I felt afterwards, and the speed of my recovery - which I am told can be put down to the fact that robotic surgery is less invasive and very precise. Plus, of course, the skill of the surgical team. I am very grateful.”
NBT extends its thanks to everyone who took part in the celebration, and to all colleagues involved in delivering robotic procedures and advancing this innovative programme.