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The Operating Theatre in the year 2030
The Operating Theatre in the year 2030
8th of December 2025, London England
The Operating
Theatre in the year 2030
LONDON, ENGLAND
Join us at The Operating Theatre in the year 2030 to explore the future of surgical care and innovation. This event will focus on how technology like robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced imaging is changing the way surgeries are performed and improving outcomes for patients. Experts from across healthcare and technology will share practical insights into how these advancements can make operating rooms more efficient, precise, and patient-focused.
Agenda The Operating Theatre in the year 2030
9.45 - 10.00
Welcome from our Chairperson
Rajesh Sivaprakasam,
Lead for Robotic Renal Failure Surgery, Barts Health NHS Trust
10:00 - 10:20
AI in Surgical Decision-Making: What Are the Legal and Ethical Guardrails for NHS Adoption?
Problem:
- As AI becomes embedded in triage and surgical planning, NHS clinicians face growing ambiguity over where clinical judgment ends and algorithmic influence begins - especially when it intersects with informed consent, Martha’s Law, and risk-based decisions.
Event Focus:
- How are NHS Trusts navigating consent and accountability when AI tools flag patients as high-risk or unsuitable for surgery?
- What frameworks (Martha’s Law, GMC, NICE, NHS AI Ethics) are Trusts relying on to align AI integration with patient autonomy?
- Where have AI triage tools already been deployed in surgical settings — and what lessons were learned?
- Who carries the legal and ethical liability when AI alters surgical decisions or outcomes?
- How can hospitals future-proof AI adoption against regulatory shifts in patient consent law?
- As AI becomes embedded in triage and surgical planning, NHS clinicians face growing ambiguity over where clinical judgment ends and algorithmic influence begins - especially when it intersects with informed consent, Martha’s Law, and risk-based decisions.
Event Focus:
- How are NHS Trusts navigating consent and accountability when AI tools flag patients as high-risk or unsuitable for surgery?
- What frameworks (Martha’s Law, GMC, NICE, NHS AI Ethics) are Trusts relying on to align AI integration with patient autonomy?
- Where have AI triage tools already been deployed in surgical settings — and what lessons were learned?
- Who carries the legal and ethical liability when AI alters surgical decisions or outcomes?
- How can hospitals future-proof AI adoption against regulatory shifts in patient consent law?
10:20 - 11:10
How NHS Trusts Are Using AI to Unlock Surgical Throughput — And What’s Getting in the Way
Problem:
- Despite a surge in elective activity, NHS backlogs remain stubborn due to poor scheduling, last-minute cancellations, and underutilised theatres. AI scheduling tools promise efficiency, but uptake and impact remain inconsistent.
Event Focus:
- Which Trusts have successfully used AI for surgical scheduling, capacity planning, or bed allocation — and what were the outcomes?
- How do AI models integrate with EPRs, staffing systems, and real-time OR workflows?
- What have been the biggest blockers: is it data, workforce, or lack of internal champions?
- Do AI tools drive measurable improvements in waitlist clearance, length of stay, or cancellation rates?
- What practical lessons can other Trusts apply to deploy scheduling AI effectively?
- Despite a surge in elective activity, NHS backlogs remain stubborn due to poor scheduling, last-minute cancellations, and underutilised theatres. AI scheduling tools promise efficiency, but uptake and impact remain inconsistent.
Event Focus:
- Which Trusts have successfully used AI for surgical scheduling, capacity planning, or bed allocation — and what were the outcomes?
- How do AI models integrate with EPRs, staffing systems, and real-time OR workflows?
- What have been the biggest blockers: is it data, workforce, or lack of internal champions?
- Do AI tools drive measurable improvements in waitlist clearance, length of stay, or cancellation rates?
- What practical lessons can other Trusts apply to deploy scheduling AI effectively?
11:10 - 11:50
AI for Intraoperative Blood Loss: Where It’s Working and What’s Still Too Risky to Trust
Problem:
- Unreliable blood loss estimation remains a critical source of intraoperative error — especially in high-risk or complex surgeries. Emerging AI tools promise real-time, data-driven guidance, but many clinicians remain sceptical about their accuracy and liability.
Event Focus:
- Which AI tools have been trialled or deployed for blood loss estimation and transfusion guidance (e.g., Caresyntax, Gauss Surgical)?
- How have these tools performed in trauma, obstetrics, or transplant settings? What metrics improved — and what didn’t?
- How do clinicians feel about trusting AI with real-time transfusion or fluid decisions under pressure?
- What governance structures, training, or human-AI workflows helped clinicians adopt these systems safely?
- How are NHS sites thinking about risk mitigation and validation when deploying these tools?
- Unreliable blood loss estimation remains a critical source of intraoperative error — especially in high-risk or complex surgeries. Emerging AI tools promise real-time, data-driven guidance, but many clinicians remain sceptical about their accuracy and liability.
Event Focus:
- Which AI tools have been trialled or deployed for blood loss estimation and transfusion guidance (e.g., Caresyntax, Gauss Surgical)?
- How have these tools performed in trauma, obstetrics, or transplant settings? What metrics improved — and what didn’t?
- How do clinicians feel about trusting AI with real-time transfusion or fluid decisions under pressure?
- What governance structures, training, or human-AI workflows helped clinicians adopt these systems safely?
- How are NHS sites thinking about risk mitigation and validation when deploying these tools?
11:50 - 12:40
What does it really take to scale robotic surgery in the NHS — and how do we define success or failure?
Problem:
- Robotic surgery is expanding across the NHS, but many Trusts experience stalled rollouts, underused systems, or fail to move beyond pilot phases. Success remains uneven and difficult to replicate.
Event Focus:
- What does a successful NHS robotic surgery program actually look like — and what does “failure” mean in practice?
- What are the utilisation targets, clinical outcomes, and operational milestones that determine if a rollout is working?
- Case studies: NHS Trusts that have scaled robotics effectively — and how they did it.
- How do hospitals train staff, integrate robotics into workflows, and overcome early rollout friction?
- Single-arm vs multi-arm robotics: what models are working and where?
- What are the common traps that cause programs to stall or underperform — and how can other Trusts avoid them?
CHAIR:
- Robotic surgery is expanding across the NHS, but many Trusts experience stalled rollouts, underused systems, or fail to move beyond pilot phases. Success remains uneven and difficult to replicate.
Event Focus:
- What does a successful NHS robotic surgery program actually look like — and what does “failure” mean in practice?
- What are the utilisation targets, clinical outcomes, and operational milestones that determine if a rollout is working?
- Case studies: NHS Trusts that have scaled robotics effectively — and how they did it.
- How do hospitals train staff, integrate robotics into workflows, and overcome early rollout friction?
- Single-arm vs multi-arm robotics: what models are working and where?
- What are the common traps that cause programs to stall or underperform — and how can other Trusts avoid them?
Mr Asif Chaudry
Robotic Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer Surgeon at Royal Marsden NHS Trust & Founder of UGIRA (Upper GI International Robotics Association)
Professor Manish Chand
Robotic and Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgeon and Professor of Surgery at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust
Mr Asit Arora
Robotic Head, Neck and Thyroid Surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas NHS Trust & Clinical Lecturer at King's College Lonfon
Mr Jamil Ahmed
Consultant Colorectal Surgeon & Deputy Director of Medical Education, University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group
12:40 - 13:00
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch and Networking
From Stethoscope to Startup: How Doctors Can Break Into Tech
In this workshop led by Dr. Keith Grimes, participants will explore the exciting intersection of healthcare and technology. Designed for medical professionals curious about transitioning into the tech industry, this session will provide actionable insights on leveraging clinical experience to thrive in digital health, health tech startups, and beyond. Attendees will gain practical advice on identifying opportunities, building relevant skills, and navigating the shift from traditional healthcare to the fast-paced world of tech innovation. Whether you're interested in founding a startup, working in healthtech product development, or advising on medical innovations, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make the leap.
In this workshop led by Dr. Keith Grimes, participants will explore the exciting intersection of healthcare and technology. Designed for medical professionals curious about transitioning into the tech industry, this session will provide actionable insights on leveraging clinical experience to thrive in digital health, health tech startups, and beyond. Attendees will gain practical advice on identifying opportunities, building relevant skills, and navigating the shift from traditional healthcare to the fast-paced world of tech innovation. Whether you're interested in founding a startup, working in healthtech product development, or advising on medical innovations, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make the leap.
Dr Keith Grimes,
Digital Health & Innovation Consultant, Curistica Ltd
14:30 - 15:20
What funding routes actually work for AI and robotics in surgery — and how can Trusts replicate them?
Problem:
- AI and robotics adoption is often blocked not by clinical value, but by fragmented, misunderstood, or inconsistent funding mechanisms. Many proposals fail due to unclear ROI, procurement friction, or misaligned strategic goals.
Event Focus:
- What are the proven funding models that NHS Trusts have successfully used to deploy AI and robotics? (e.g. ICB capital routes, NHS-private innovation partnerships, accelerator-funded trials)
- How did these proposals overcome the classic barriers: business case validation, digital infrastructure readiness, workforce planning?
- Where and why do most AI/robotics proposals get rejected — and what should future applicants do differently?
- What role do NHS England priorities, NICE approvals, and clinical leadership play in unlocking capital?
- How can finance teams and clinical champions build joint business cases to get proposals over the line?
- AI and robotics adoption is often blocked not by clinical value, but by fragmented, misunderstood, or inconsistent funding mechanisms. Many proposals fail due to unclear ROI, procurement friction, or misaligned strategic goals.
Event Focus:
- What are the proven funding models that NHS Trusts have successfully used to deploy AI and robotics? (e.g. ICB capital routes, NHS-private innovation partnerships, accelerator-funded trials)
- How did these proposals overcome the classic barriers: business case validation, digital infrastructure readiness, workforce planning?
- Where and why do most AI/robotics proposals get rejected — and what should future applicants do differently?
- What role do NHS England priorities, NICE approvals, and clinical leadership play in unlocking capital?
- How can finance teams and clinical champions build joint business cases to get proposals over the line?
15:20 - 16:10
How Do We Futureproof Surgical Training for AI and Robotics — And What Should the New Standard Look Like?
Problem:
- As AI and robotics redefine surgical workflows, the NHS risks underpreparing future surgeons. With global peers embedding simulation, digital tools, and robotics into early training, the UK must rethink how it trains, certifies, and scales a tech-ready surgical workforce.
Event Focus:
- What does a future-ready surgical training pathway look like in the age of AI and robotics? - How are NHS training bodies (e.g. RCS, HEE, Deaneries) currently integrating simulation, digital literacy, and robotics into curricula?
- Which international models (e.g. Singapore, US, Germany) are setting the pace — and what can the NHS adapt?
- What VR, AI-powered, and robotic simulation platforms are already being trialled or deployed across NHS Trusts?
- How do we build surgeon confidence in AI tools — and ensure a smooth transition from assisted to autonomous operating?
- What certification, assessment, and upskilling frameworks are needed to scale AI/robotics competence nationally?
- As AI and robotics redefine surgical workflows, the NHS risks underpreparing future surgeons. With global peers embedding simulation, digital tools, and robotics into early training, the UK must rethink how it trains, certifies, and scales a tech-ready surgical workforce.
Event Focus:
- What does a future-ready surgical training pathway look like in the age of AI and robotics? - How are NHS training bodies (e.g. RCS, HEE, Deaneries) currently integrating simulation, digital literacy, and robotics into curricula?
- Which international models (e.g. Singapore, US, Germany) are setting the pace — and what can the NHS adapt?
- What VR, AI-powered, and robotic simulation platforms are already being trialled or deployed across NHS Trusts?
- How do we build surgeon confidence in AI tools — and ensure a smooth transition from assisted to autonomous operating?
- What certification, assessment, and upskilling frameworks are needed to scale AI/robotics competence nationally?
Mr Asit Arora
Robotic Head, Neck and Thyroid Surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas NHS Trust & Clinical Lecturer at King's College Lonfon
16:10 - 17:00
Can AI and wearables transform postoperative recovery — or are we overestimating their impact?
Problem:
- Postoperative complications are often detected too late, leading to preventable ICU transfers, readmissions, and prolonged recovery. NHS efforts to implement virtual wards and remote monitoring remain fragmented and under-evidenced.
Event Focus:
- Can AI-powered early warning systems accurately predict deterioration before ICU transfer?
- How effective are wearables in tracking post-op recovery at home?
- How are NHS Trusts integrating AI monitoring tools into virtual wards — and what’s actually working?
- Do these innovations reduce readmissions, or shift burden to community care without improving outcomes?
- What integration, training, and workflow changes are needed to make these systems stick?
- Postoperative complications are often detected too late, leading to preventable ICU transfers, readmissions, and prolonged recovery. NHS efforts to implement virtual wards and remote monitoring remain fragmented and under-evidenced.
Event Focus:
- Can AI-powered early warning systems accurately predict deterioration before ICU transfer?
- How effective are wearables in tracking post-op recovery at home?
- How are NHS Trusts integrating AI monitoring tools into virtual wards — and what’s actually working?
- Do these innovations reduce readmissions, or shift burden to community care without improving outcomes?
- What integration, training, and workflow changes are needed to make these systems stick?
The Operating Theatre in the year 2030 -
The conference will also discuss the changing needs of the surgical workforce and strategies to ensure equal access to high-quality care. Through keynote talks, panel discussions, and demonstrations, you’ll learn about new tools and practices that aim to improve safety, sustainability, and training in NHS theatres. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or innovator, this event is an opportunity to discover how NHS theatres are preparing for the challenges and possibilities of 2030.
Who is this conference for?
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This exclusive conference is designed for healthcare professionals dedicated to shaping the future of operating theatres within the NHS. It is the premier event for surgical leaders, operating theatre managers, perioperative staff, clinical directors, and NHS executives who are passionate about advancing surgical care, optimizing processes, and integrating the latest innovations in medical technology.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the future of surgical practice, from state-of-the-art digital solutions and robotics to workflow optimization, patient safety enhancements, and data-driven decision-making. This conference is also essential for those working in healthcare strategy, digital health, and data analytics, offering a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of surgical transformation.
Whether you are improving theatre efficiency, driving policy, enhancing patient outcomes, or implementing cutting-edge surgical technologies, The NHS Hospital Theatre 2030 Conference will provide the knowledge, connections, and inspiration to help you lead meaningful change across the NHS.