From University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) to LGBTQ inclusivity, UHNM has taken full surgical osmosis. They’ve been able to do this by growing their robotic surgery program. This initiative, which is expected to save approximately 5,000 bed days annually, aims to enhance patient care and streamline surgical processes at the Royal Stoke Hospital, part of the UHNM network.
The expansion is significant as it adds capacity to an already existent robotic surgery specialty which was saving over 3,000 bed days per annum. Royal Stoke Hospital is at the forefront using the “Magic Leap” surgical system first in the world. It’s the first hospital in England to use this disruptive and innovative technology. The “Magic Leap” system enables surgeons to visualize intricate 3D images of a patient’s spine during procedures through virtual reality goggles, enhancing precision and outcomes.
They’ll do wonders for driving innovation into the most complex surgeries. It will help with trauma care and open-heart procedures, helping more than 1,000 patients annually. This venture reflects UHNM’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver improved healthcare. They hope to do 90% of all major keyhole surgeries with robotic assistance over the next 10 years.
Additionally, UHNM looks to become a centre of excellence for robotic surgery. Surgeons will be dubbed tissue resistance in real-time through the introduction of new technology, enhancing surgical decision making while operating. This pioneering capability makes Royal Stoke one of the leading centres for advanced surgical innovation in the UK.
Philip Varghese, a consultant colorectal surgeon at UHNM called this project critical.
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese, consultant colorectal surgeon at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
The bigger picture vision for robotic surgery aligns with national NHS goals. By 2035, they expect to see 500,000 operations a year carried out on robotic systems in England alone. In this fascinating year, nearly 70,000 procedures have already used robotic help.
Denise Coates, one of the main proponents of the initiative, expressed the importance of the project to the community.
“Supporting projects that make a lasting difference to local communities remains a core focus of the foundation. This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Denise Coates.