Royal Stoke University Hospital is on track to become the UK’s largest robotic surgery center by 2035. Their lofty goal is to perform 500,000 operations per year, with all of this backed by cutting-edge technology. This significant expansion, announced by the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), aims to enhance surgical outcomes and improve patient care.
Today at Royal Stoke, they do about 70,000 operations with some level of robotic intervention. By raising this new number to 500,000, the new hospital will become a game changer for surgical practices in the entire region. Improving services for patients, the project will ‘position Royal Stoke at the forefront of robotic surgery’. This unique initiative will improve care for over 1,000 patients per year.
The hospital’s innovative approach includes introducing groundbreaking technology that allows surgeons to feel tissue resistance in real time. This advancement will save countless lives by improving the overall precision of surgical procedures. This is especially true for complicated procedures such as emergency and cardiac surgeries.
Within the next decade, 90% of keyhole surgeries at Royal Stoke will be done with robotic assistance. This extends to surgeries that necessitate removal of organs affected by cancer. This transitional run towards robotic platforms will not only accelerate robotic surgery to become the go-to approach for most procedures at the hospital.
Royal Stoke hopes to save an estimated 5,000 bed days per year by dramatically more efficient use of this new robotic technology. The initiative is a part of a larger effort to provide world-leading surgical care closer to home for patients across the region.
The large Royal Stoke, located in North Staffordshire, was in the news last month after becoming the first hospital in England to use the new “Magic Leap” surgical system. Surgeons are able to see exact 3D pictures of a patient’s spine while they are operating. They do this using custom-designed virtual reality goggles.
Philip Varghese, consultant colorectal surgeon at UHNM, said the expansion was “an excellent development and important step forward”.
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese
Denise Coates, a member of the foundation that supports this project, said that the effort is a perfect match with their mission.
“Supporting projects that make a lasting difference to local communities remains a core focus of the foundation.” – Denise Coates
The tall, multi-storey Royal Stoke building features dramatic red and yellow cladding on its base. It serves as a testament to the state’s vibrant innovational ecosystem and their intense commitment to healthcare improvement. The expansion of robotic surgery services marks a significant step forward in transforming surgical practices at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
“This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Denise Coates
The multi-storey Royal Stoke building, characterized by its red and yellow cladding on the lower part, stands as a symbol of innovation and commitment to healthcare excellence. The expansion of robotic surgery services marks a significant step forward in transforming surgical practices at Royal Stoke University Hospital.