Patients across Bath and North East Somerset are set to benefit from a significant investment in robotic surgery across the local health system, which will improve precision and safety.
Surgeons will be able to carry out more complex procedures with minimal access | Image © RUH
The investment has seen the purchase of a surgical robot at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, which is now in operation,
Two more robots will also benefit patients in the wider region, meaning people will be less likely to have to travel long distances for important surgery.
Robotic technology has been developed over many years and is already in operation in other parts of the NHS.
It means surgeons can operate with higher levels of precision, and perform complex procedures with minimal access, while ensuring the highest levels of patient safety.
The first procedures using the new surgical robot have already taken place at the RUH.
Cara Charles-Barks, Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m delighted that we have launched robotic surgery at the RUH.
“This will not only benefit the people we care for, with less invasive procedures and faster recovery times, but it also gives us an exciting opportunity from a recruitment and retention perspective. It’s an amazing development for our community in Bath, Swindon, and Wiltshire.”
Duncan Murray, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “The outcome benefits to our patients of having local access to robot-assisted surgery have already been well described.
“Furthermore, providing this state-of-the-art technology within our hospitals will ensure we strengthen and sustain our surgical teams in the future by continuing to attract the best clinical staff across a range of surgical specialities.”
