Sword Health, an artificial intelligence (AI) care company, has acquired Surgery Hero, a UK-based innovator in prehabilitation digital health, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition strengthens Sword Health’s investment in the UK, addressing National Health Service (NHS) challenges like long musculoskeletal care waitlists and rising healthcare costs.    

It also supports Sword Health’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and expanding its global impact.  

Surgery Hero’s prehabilitation expertise complements Sword Health’s platform, allowing more comprehensive care. 

The digital health firm’s flagship product, Surgery Hero, offers support for surgery patients, helping them prepare, recover, and thrive throughout their surgical journey.

This collaboration promotes faster recoveries and eases pressure on overburdened healthcare systems.

Surgery Hero’s product will remain with Sword, and its team will integrate into Sword Health.

In the UK, people waiting for musculoskeletal treatments will get enhanced access to lowered costs, improved clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Sword Health founder and CEO Virgilio Bento said: “Acquiring Surgery Hero is another key step in our mission of freeing the world from pain.

“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.”

This acquisition represents a key milestone in Sword’s AI-driven healthcare mission. By adding prehabilitation services, the AI care firm enhances support in the UK, covering everything from pre-surgery to recovery.

This expansion strengthens its global presence and ensures quality care for all.

Surgery Hero CEO Matthew Beatty said: “Joining forces with Sword Health allows us to expand the scope of our services and deliver better care to patients.

“Together, we are committed to providing patients with the resources they need to improve their health before surgery and optimise their recovery.”

In June 2024, Sword Health introduced Phoenix, an AI Care Specialist, and announced a $130m financing round, combining primary and secondary sales for liquidity to employees and early investors. This brings total funding to $340m, with a new valuation of $3bn.