Royal Stoke Hospital is all set to become the largest robotic surgery center in the UK. As such, it is adherence to the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM). This ambitious expansion will dramatically improve surgical and trauma care across the region. In fact, the hospital anticipates saving the equivalent of 3,000 bed days per year due to this addition. After project completion, this figure would increase to a minimum of 5,000 per year.
The Royal Stoke is quickly becoming a national centre of excellence for robotic surgery. This facility will be the first to use revolutionary Atkinson technology that enables surgeons to feel tissue resistance with instantaneous feedback. This cutting-edge technology will make Royal Stoke the first hospital in the UK to introduce this technology. It will further improve its national standing for cutting-edge medical practice.
That all changed last October, when Royal Stoke celebrated its one-millionth passenger journey. It recently became the first hospital in England to adopt the “Magic Leap” surgical system. Surgeons can now view cross-sectional 3D images of a patient’s spine in real-time during procedures. For that ambitious goal, they perform this using bespoke virtual reality goggles. Its full integration out to over 1,000 patients per year, recently granted initial package funding.
Royal Stoke’s investment in robotic surgery will help multiply the number of complex procedures, from emergency surgery to heart surgery. The NHS expects that by 2035 nearly half a million operations will be done using this innovative method. Soon, robotic assistance will be considered the default for most of these procedures. Additionally, it is estimated that 90% of all keyhole surgeries, such as the removal of certain cancer-affected organs, will involve robot assistance within the next decade.
Philip Varghese, a consultant colorectal surgeon at UHNM, said surgical services for the existing population were already stretched and an expansion was crucial.
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese
The hospital’s expansion will involve a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including Denise Coates, who highlighted the project’s impact on local communities.
“Supporting projects that make a lasting difference to local communities remains a core focus of the foundation.” – Denise Coates
Meanwhile, Royal Stoke is significantly increasing its capacity for robotic surgery. The hospital intends to expand from 70,000 surgeries in 2023-24 to an aspirational 500,000 by 2035. The impressive building with bright red and yellow cladding on its base speaks to the system’s dedication to being on the cutting edge of the healthcare industry.
“This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Denise Coates
The current capacity for robotic surgery at Royal Stoke is set to increase from 70,000 operations in 2023-24 to an ambitious 500,000 by 2035. The striking building features red and yellow cladding on its lower part, symbolizing its commitment to innovation in healthcare.