Excitement mounts in the Surgery and Anaesthetics Division as they’re expecting the delivery of a new surgical robot at HRI this week.

It will give surgeons the flexibility to plan fully robotic procedures, or integrate laparoscopic instruments for specific portions of the procedure. With high levels of precision and control, surgeons will be able to perform more of their complex procedures through a minimal access technique.

At a roadshow held late last year by CMR VERSIUS (the manufacturer), there was some great feedback for the technology.

Anaesthetist, Tim Jackson said: “As an anaesthetist, I feel I now have a good overview of how the robotic system is likely to impact on what I do for my patients (in terms of anaesthetic technique, in any case) and the benefits it should bring overall. It certainly seems like an impressive system!”

And the team at CMR VERSUIUS said: “The attendance was one of the largest we have ever received at CMR Roadshows, and it just shows what incredible engagement you have across the trust aligned to your vision for the best patient care possible.

“The general buzz and excitement from all that attended was infectious and all commented on how impressed they were.”

The new robot is being installed alongside the training simulator in main theatres at HRI.

The expected benefits of the new robot include:

• Reduced length of stay: bed day saving on average of 1.16 days, per case, by 2025
• Improved patient outcomes: reduction in the incidence of conversion to open surgery, mortality, wound infections, blood loss and post-operative pain. Improved time to oral diet and scarring
• Meets national key performance indicator for National Bowel Cancer Audit
• Improved workforce key performance indicators: recruitment, retention, sickness, and staff wellbeing
• Maintains CHFT services for complex pelvic cancer