Royal Stoke University Hospital is poised to become one of the UK’s leading centres for robotic surgery. They’re excited to expand their surgical capacity and improve the quality of care for their patients. The hospital, part of the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), has spoken of its enthusiasm for the new technology. With these new robotic technologies, they expect to serve more than 1,000 patients per year. Support for the new initiative This move is in line with national trends where robotic surgeries are projected to assist 500,000 operations by 2035.
The hospital’s commitment to robotic surgery includes the implementation of the “Magic Leap” surgical system, which provides surgeons with detailed 3D images of a patient’s spine in real time. By allowing surgeons to palpate tissue resistance, this revolutionary technology will greatly improve surgeons’ ability to perform complex procedures. Royal Stoke hopes that at least 90% of all keyhole surgeries will be carried out with robotic help over the next 10 years.
The anticipated growth at Royal Stoke will create an additional 5,000+ saved bed days annually. This increase will help reduce the strain on hospitals’ resources and improve overall patient care. Robotic surgery is changing the way complicated procedures are done. It powers complex procedures like trauma and cardiac surgeries, greatly expanding surgical capacity at the hospital.
Philip Varghese, consultant colorectal surgeon and deputy medical director at UHNM told us what this move means for their hospital’s future.
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese
Royal Stoke’s approach is described as “trailblazing.” Second, it highlights a promising trend in the NHS towards a greater acceptance of innovative medical technology. During the fiscal year 2023-24, NHS data showed that robotic surgery enabled approximately 70,000 surgeries. This figure is proof of our growing reliance on this revolutionary surgical approach.
Coates, a communications ambassador for the project, highlighted the community effect of this historic investment.
“This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Coates
Royal Stoke is quickly becoming an international center of excellence for robotics. The inspired palette of the hospital’s lower level striking red and yellow cladding further represents the hospital’s commitment to advancing the future of healthcare. The center’s growth highlights the promising innovation in surgical technology. It further shines a needed spotlight on urgent imperatives to improve the patient experience in every community.