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The Operating Theatre in the year 2030

The Operating Theatre in the year 2030
9th of December 2025, London England

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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
10:00 - 11:15
Next generation NHS operating theatres - How AI and Robotics are transforming surgery
The Problem: NHS surgical backlogs exceed 7.5 million patients, and outdated workflows waste OR time, increase errors, and slow patient throughput.

The Solution: AI-driven workflow automation, robotic-assisted surgery, and smart ORs equipped with real-time analytics and IoT integration.

Event Focus:
- How robotic systems like Da Vinci, Versius, and Hugo improve minimally invasive procedures.
- How AI-powered scheduling and workflow automation can reduce OR downtime and optimise case sequencing.
- NHS case studies on AI-assisted theatre scheduling and robotic integration in hospitals.
11:15 - 12:30
AI-driven surgical assistance - from decision support to autonomous systems
"The Problem: Surgeon workload and human error contribute to variability in outcomes and longer procedures.

The Solution: AI-powered intraoperative guidance systems, real-time analytics, and predictive modeling to enhance precision and patient safety.

Event Focus:
- How machine learning models assist in real-time intraoperative decision-making.
- The rise of semi-autonomous robotic-assisted surgery – how far along is AI-driven surgical autonomy?
- NHS case studies on AI-powered error detection and risk prediction in the OR. "
12:30 - 13:00
Smart OTs and data-driven surgery - the role of AI, IoT and digital twins in surgical decision making
The Problem: NHS operating theatres generate vast amounts of data, yet much remains underutilised.

The Solution: AI-powered predictive analytics, IoT-connected surgical tools, and real-time digital twins for personalised surgical planning.

Event Focus:
- How AI-powered predictive analytics optimises patient-specific surgery plans.
- How IoT-connected surgical instruments improve OR efficiency and safety.
- NHS case studies on real-time data analytics reducing surgical errors and complications.
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch and Networking
14:30 - 15:45
The AI-powered surgeon - training NHS surgical teams for the future OT
The Problem: Only 10% of NHS Trusts have robotic-assisted surgery, partly due to training gaps and lack of structured AI/robotics integration in medical curricula.

The Solution: VR-based surgical simulations, AI-driven training platforms, and real-time intraoperative guidance.

Event Focus:
- How AI & robotics training should be integrated into NHS surgical education.
- Hands-on VR/AR-based robotic surgery training for NHS surgeons.
- NHS case studies on AI-assisted mentorship and intraoperative coaching.
15:45 - 17:00
Overcoming NHS procurement and regulatory barriers for AI driven surgery
The Problem: NHS hospitals struggle to justify investments in AI-assisted surgery due to procurement, funding, and regulatory barriers.

The Solution: Cost-effectiveness case studies, NHS procurement strategies, and AI-specific regulatory pathways.

Event Focus:
- NHS funding and procurement strategies for AI-driven surgery—how do hospitals secure funding?
- Regulatory roadmaps – how NICE, MHRA, and NHS Digital approve AI-assisted surgical tools.
- NHS case studies on successful procurement and funding models for robotic surgery.

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.

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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.