University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) just brought us some thrilling news. They’re greatly increasing their robotic surgery capacity, rendering the Charlotte region a leader in this nascent but important medical specialty. This improvement is expected to save UHNM approximately 3,000 bed days annually. Experts estimate that with the right conditions this number could grow to at least 5,000 bed days per year. Through this initiative we hope to deliver comprehensive and state-of-the-art surgical options for more than 1,000 patients each year.
The expansion represents UHNM’s determination to provide the best possible patient care with the introduction of robotic-assisted procedures. The new facility aims to support some of the most complex, high-level surgeries, from emergency and trauma operations to cardiothoracic and pediatric care. Shockingly, experts forecast that in just ten years, 90% of all keyhole surgeries will use robotic assistance. This includes life-saving procedures such as organ removals necessary to treat cancer.
Robotic-assisted surgery will soon become the default option for many operative procedures at UHNM. Royal Stoke, a key component of UHNM, has already made strides in this area by becoming the first hospital in England to implement the “Magic Leap” surgical system. With combined technology, surgeons can see highly detailed three-dimensional images of a patient’s spine in real-time during surgery. Surprisingly, they accomplish this miracle through the use of customized virtual reality goggles.
UHNM has plans to develop further as a center of excellence for robotic surgery. They’re looking to bring new technology to the field that would let surgeons detect resistance with tissue in real-time through a robotic arm during operations. Royal Stoke will be the first hospital in the UK to use this groundbreaking new feature.
The NHS expects robotic surgery to assist with 500,000 operations annually by 2035. Only in the current financial year (2023-24) have around 70,000 such procedures been completed using robotic techniques.
Philip Varghese, consultant colorectal surgeon at UHNM, said of the growth, “We are really excited about the expansion.
“This expansion significantly strengthens our ability to deliver robotic surgery across a wider range of complex procedures.” – Philip Varghese, UHNM
Investing in robotic surgery increases procedural efficiency. For more patients, it brings world-class surgical care home to their own communities. Coates, a representative of the foundation supporting this project, stated:
“Supporting projects that make a lasting difference to local communities remains a core focus of the foundation.” – Coates
Coates further emphasized the project’s impact on regional healthcare:
“This investment will allow more patients across the region to benefit from world-leading surgical care closer to home.” – Coates