Robotic-assisted surgery provider, Intuitive, receives Royal College of Surgeons of England accreditation

Intuitive has become the largest provider of robotic-assisted surgical technology training to receive The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) accreditation.

The accreditation, which has been awarded to Intuitive across its entire global education portfolio, is an award of excellence from RCS England in recognition of outstanding surgery-related education and is an internationally recognised hallmark of quality. 

Intuitive is the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery and provides technology training to surgeons and theatre teams on its da Vinci Surgical Systems. To date, Intuitive has provided technology training to more than 60,000 surgeons worldwide.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a world leader of surgical education and provides quality assurance for any surgical training run both in the UK and globally. The accreditation process is a review of the entire surgical education provider, its facilities, resources, and educational portfolio, and is only awarded where there is a clear demonstration of excellence in each of these components.

Professor Neil Mortensen, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 

“There have been huge advances in robotic surgical devices in recent years.  Surgeons up and down the country use them to assist in urological, colorectal, thoracic, and an increasing range of other surgeries.  Using robotic systems can provide great accuracy and dexterity in an operation, reduce a patient’s risks of complications, their stay in hospital and speed up their recovery. However, in order to carry out robotic surgery, surgeons need to undergo expert training. This is why are we delighted to have been able to accredit Intuitive’s robotic-assisted surgical technology training, which enables surgeons around the world to learn the latest techniques in robotic-assisted surgery.”

Dr Gillian Duncan, Intuitive’s Senior Vice President of Professional Education said:

“We are proud that the Royal College of Surgeons of England has recognised Intuitive for the quality of our robotic surgery training and education, which combines technology and skills training with peer-to-peer learning. Achieving and maintaining a high standard of training is critical to realizing the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery for hospitals, surgeons, and patients.

“Intuitive is committed to providing technology training and education to surgeons and their teams. With nearly 30 years of experience in bringing robotic-assisted surgical systems and innovative technology to healthcare providers across the globe, we understand the vital role that training plays in any successful robotics programme.” 

Miss Nuha Yassin, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Colorectal Robotic Lead at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Council Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 

“This accreditation gives assurance to the surgical community and to patients that training on this technology is being provided in a safe and standardised approach globally and will ensure that surgeons and their teams have confidence in their ability to use the tool, which is vital as new technology is adopted.

“Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform procedures using a minimally invasive approach and reduces conversion rates and overall morbidity. There are great benefits to the patients as well as the surgical teams. It would be great if surgeons can use technology to its full potential and expand on the surgical indications keeping patients with all conditions at the centre of what we do.”