Sword Health has announced its acquisition of Surgery Hero, a UK-based innovator in prehabilitation digital health. The acquisition bolsters Sword’s investment in the UK, where the National Health Service (NHS) faces the challenge of long musculoskeletal care waiting lists and high healthcare costs.Surgery Hero’s product will remain part of Sword Health’s offering, and its team will be integrated into Sword.

Virgilio Bento, Founder and CEO of Sword Health, commented: “The UK faces a mounting pain crisis, exacerbated by limited access to timely, high-quality care. Sword’s AI Care platform removes barriers such as long wait times and travel constraints, providing immediate access and scale to care and ensuring patients receive the support they need when and where they need it.”

In the UK, more than one million peopleare currently waiting to access musculoskeletal treatments, leading to delayed care and prolonged recoveries. Sword Health’s solutions seek to address these challenges by expanding access, reducing costs, improving clinical outcomes, and enhancing patient satisfaction.

“Joining forces with Sword Health allows us to expand the scope of our services and deliver better care to patients,” said Surgery Hero’s CEO, Dr Matthew Beatty. “Together, we are committed to providing patients with the resources they need to improve their health before surgery and optimise their recovery.”

Gary Coffey, Spectrum.Life’s Chief Technology Officer, recently shared his healthtech predictions for 2025.