The James Paget is marking the first anniversary of a hi-tech robotic-assisted surgical system which has helped hundreds of patients since it became operational.
The da Vinci X – the first robotic surgical system at the hospital - helps surgeons perform minimally-invasive, precision surgery for procedures such as bowel cancer, gall stone removal and hernia repair.
Instruments attached to the arms of the robotic system are controlled by the surgeon who is aided by a magnified, high definition, three-dimensional view of the area they are operating on.
Surgeons at the hospital began using the da Vinci X in the summer last year – and since then it has been used for more than 225 general surgery operations, such as bowel procedures and hernia repairs, as well as over 110 gynaecological cases, including hysterectomies.
Many patients are able to go home either on the same day as surgery is performed, such as those requiring gall bladder and hernia operations; for procedures that require overnight stays, such as colorectal/bowel cases, average length of time in hospital has been reduced.
Consultant Surgeon Kamal Aryal said that the introduction of the robotic system had been successful, with positive feedback received from patients over the last year.
“It seems like just yesterday when we first started using the new robotic system,” said Mr Aryal. “Its introduction has benefited both our patients and staff.
“For patients, it is leading to quicker recovery times, less time in hospital and reduced chances of complications – while for staff involved, it has helped establish a real team spirit.
“Looking ahead, our aim is to increase the number of cases involving the robotic system, to help further improve productivity, efficiency and patient satisfaction.”
The introduction of the new system was made possible thanks to a £1.2 million fund-raising campaign, led by the James Paget Hospital Charity.
The Hospital Charity’s ‘Robot Appeal’ launched in 2023, and inspired generous fundraising from across the James Paget’s staff, patients and communities – with donations received from individuals and organisations, including the Geoffrey Watling Charity.
Alongside this, the Charity received a significant legacy donation from a local couple, David and Valerie Howes, from Oulton Broad, after whom the surgical system was named.
The first anniversary was marked with a celebration held on Wednesday evening in the Trust’s Burrage Centre. The evening featured talks from clinicians and teams that have used the da Vinci surgical system for procedures, and also emotional testimony from patients on the care they received at the hospital.
Capping the event was the cutting of a celebratory cake, led by Professor Lesley Dwyer, Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, alongside Maxine Taylor, Charity Manager, Mr Aryal, Jonathan Gardner, Executive Managing Director of James Paget Hospital, and Dr Shane Gordon, Executive Managing Director of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals.
