St John & St Elizabeth Hospital has introduced robotic-assisted surgery at its St John’s Wood site in London as part of plans to expand its complex care services.
The independent hospital has installed Intuitive’s da Vinci Xi surgical system, which will support minimally invasive procedures across urology, gynaecology, general and colorectal surgery.
The investment follows the hospital’s recently announced strategic partnership with Icon Cancer Centre to develop a purpose-built cancer centre on the same campus.
The hospital expects to offer both robotic surgery and advanced radiotherapy at its St John’s Wood site from 2027, enabling patients to access a wider range of specialist cancer treatments in one location.
The da Vinci Xi system provides surgeons with a magnified, three-dimensional, high-definition view of the operating area and allows them to control articulated surgical instruments from a console in the operating theatre.
The technology is designed to support complex procedures through small incisions, with surgeons retaining full control of the instruments throughout surgery.
Simon James, chief executive of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, said the investment was part of a wider strategy to develop the hospital’s specialist services.
‘This is another statement of intent. Robotic surgery in our theatres and a new cancer centre with Icon demonstrates the hospital we are building, and the level of care we want to offer our community, with patients able to access advanced treatment in St John’s Wood with the personal care we are known for.’
James said expanding the hospital’s clinical services would also support its charitable activities.
‘Every patient we treat also supports a wider purpose. Our private healthcare services help fund St John’s Hospice, which provides free specialist palliative care to our community. As the hospital grows, so does our ability to expand the end-of-life care we provide.’
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