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Swindon hospital to offer device to help with sleep apnoea. Great Western Hospital will receive access to specialist sleep apnoea technology. (Image: Dave Cox) Swindon's hospital will be one of a select few health hubs in the UK to receive a high-tech medical device which will help patients. Great Western Hospital is one of 12 centres now offering access to Inspire, a surgically implanted device for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Developed by Inspire Medical Systems, the implant works by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep. The device is about the size of two 50p coins and is activated each night with a handheld remote. Patients turn it on before going to sleep and then switch it off upon waking up. Recommended reading Ed Holyoak from Inspire said: "Inspire has expanded its footprint significantly in Europe with over 80 employees to support the implementation of the therapy and the growing NHS adoption in England. "Thisiswiltshire is experiencing strong year-on-year growth, expanding European presence, and accelerating adoption across key European health systems. "We are very proud to bring the benefits of our sleep solution to the UK." It will also be provided to hospitals in London, Nottingham, Leeds, and Birmingham. Inspire therapy was introduced to the NHS in 2023, with the first patients treated at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London. Clinical data has shown that 91 percent of patients are satisfied with the device, and 92 percent would choose it again. Roughly 94 percent would recommend it to family or friends. Bed partner surveys found that 90 percent reported no or only soft snoring. The system is not suitable for everyone and requires specialist assessment. It is intended for adults with moderate-to-severe OSA who do not respond to, or cannot use, CPAP therapy. Possible risks include infection and temporary tongue weakness, with rare cases of tongue paresis or atrophy. Some patients may require post-implant adjustments to improve comfort and effectiveness. The expansion of Inspire therapy in the UK is supported by increasing clinical adoption, physician training, and partnerships with national sleep organisations such as The Sleep Charity. Support from the NHS and patient education efforts have contributed to growing awareness and demand. Inspire Medical Systems was founded by Tim Herbert in the US. The device received FDA approval in 2014 and has held a CE mark in Europe since 2010. Obstructive sleep apnoea affects approximately 25 percent of the UK population. If left untreated, it can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart attack, depression, and shortened life expectancy.

Inspire Medical Systems reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with revenue rising 12.2% year on year. The company issued its highest full-year guidance raise amongst peers, supported by early commercial feedback on its next-generation Inspire V neurostimulator. The investment story is being reshaped by new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services procedure codes for hypoglossal nerve stimulation, which directly affect how centres bill for Inspire's procedures. These codes influence near-term access, implanter economics and the pace of Inspire V adoption. The company completed enrolment in its PREDICTOR study. Despite strong quarterly performance, the new Medicare coding framework and mixed analyst reactions keep reimbursement risk central to the investment case. Inspire Medical Systems' narrative projects $1.3 billion revenue and $103.6 million earnings by 2028.