Our Lady of Southmead hospital has welcomed a new innovative advancement in medical technology with the implementation of robotic-assisted surgeries. Consultant colorectal surgeon Caroline Burt is at the forefront of this radical innovation. Just last week, her team toasted their success of passing 10,000 robotic-arm assisted procedures. Without the help of this technology, patients at peak hours could see waiting times increase by 2029.
Robotic arms will continue to transform the way many surgical procedures are done, including hysterectomies and bladder surgeries. This innovation will play a major role in helping the NHS to achieve its ambitious target of delivering half a million procedures within the next decade. National Young Farmer Coalition’s Caroline Burt addressed how this technology can help. She raved about the robotic arms, saying they’re “incredibly dextrous and accurate,” that really enhances the entire surgical experience. She emphasized that these tools dramatically accelerate proceedings. They’re about efficiency too, making sure we get patients the right care as soon as possible and encouraging faster recoveries.
In the operating theatre, Caroline Burt had on blue scrubs, a white surgical face mask and safety glasses. She described the importance of human knowledge, judgment, and dexterity in robotic surgery. She illuminated something important—surgeons really do wield total control over their operations. There’s no automatic sawing and cutting—nothing occurs unless the lead surgeon is literally controlling the movement. This statement reassures patients that their safety remains the top priority throughout the surgical process.
Patient Lisa Brittain was one of the first patients to receive a minimally invasive procedure using this innovative technology at Southmead Hospital. In sharing her fears, she revealed that she “had visions of R2-D2” from Star Wars prior to her surgery. Her experience ever since has turned that concern into one of relief—and even joy. When her procedure was done, she was able to rest comfortably in a chair on the ward. Two medical personnel surrounded her, ensuring she was comfortable.
The robotic arms are controlled from afar and hover over the patient, fully encased in plastic sheeting during actual surgeries. They allow surgeons to control incredible detail, turns stitching and other advanced surgical techniques into an almost effortless task. Caroline Burt explained that this capability has truly revolutionized her surgical practice.
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said [4] that this growing technology has wider implications. He stated, “We are using every tool at our disposal to ensure patients get the best possible treatment.” He further elaborated, “Not only does it speed up the number of procedures the NHS can do, but it means better outcomes, a faster recovery and shorter hospital stays for patients.”
Southmead Hospital has been leading the way by incorporating robotic-assisted surgeries into its day-to-day practices. This improvement is one of many leaps that have greatly improved patient care and address the daunting issues of healthcare delivery in the UK.
