To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 20011/22-27, to detail the specialties (i) considered; (ii) assessed; and (iii) that will be progressed for use of robotic-assisted surgery.

The General Surgery Network, which now sits under the Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health, has made a commitment to consider how Robot Assisted Surgery can be implemented in Northern Ireland across a number of specialities. In addition to Urology, other specialties of Gynaecology, Colorectal and Thoracic surgery will be considered, however significant investment will be required.

Work has been instructed for the completion of a cost benefit analysis. In addition, information on patient safety, improved patient outcomes, the needs, training requirements and facilities also needs to be considered, which will be different for each specialism. There is also a need to consider the impact Robot Assisted Surgery may have on non- Robot Assisted Surgery, while ensuring regional equity of access from a workforce perspective as well as the patient perspective.