Unicorn Sword Health acquires British digital pre-op clinic

Portuguese unicorn Sword Health, creator of a technology for digital physiotherapy at home, has acquired British company Surgery Hero.

As part of this acquisition, Sword Health will collaborate with 18 entities of the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which provide care to around 10 million people, and install its Artificial Intelligence platform (AI Care) so that it may be used by these patients. The company, who is also a member of the Porto Leading Investors programme, believes that it will contribute to faster recoveries and promising results, relieving the pressure on the British health system.

The digital prehabilitation programme created by Surgery Hero will become part of the Sword Health platform. "By integrating prehabilitation services, Sword is positioned to offer comprehensive support in the UK, from pre-surgery through recovery, expanding its already large global footprint and ensuring high-quality care reaches all members in need,” the unicorn said in a recent press release.

Virgílio Bento, founder and CEO of Sword Health, believes acquiring Surgery Hero is "another key step in our mission of freeing the world from pain.” "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,” added the CEO.

In the UK, more than a million people are currently waiting to receive musculoskeletal treatment. "Joining forces with Sword Health allows us to expand the scope of our services and deliver better care to patients,” said Matthew Beatty, CEO of Surgery Hero.