Robotic surgery appeal hits halfway mark
Plans to purchase two new surgical robots for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital have moved a step closer after the £3.2m fundraising target reached the halfway mark.
The announcement was made by the N&N Hospitals Charity on Thursday evening (22 May) at the charity’s first Golf Day at Barnham Broom, sponsored by Desira OMODA & JAECOO
The news that more than £1.6m has been raised towards the cost of the robots was made by Director of Charity John-Paul Garside to an audience of almost 100 golfers, guests and supporters. Consultant Colorectal and Lead Robotic Surgeon Irshad Shaikh outlined the impact the robots would make to patients and staff.
He said: “Robotic-assisted surgery requires only very small incisions, which means blood loss is reduced and recovery times are far shorter, allowing patients to return to their normal day-to-day lives sooner. The use of laparoscopic cameras and instruments, controlled remotely via the robotic system’s console, allows surgeons greater visibility and precision than would be available in conventional open surgery. This makes procedures easier for surgeons and safer for patients.”
Prof Shaikh explained that the two robots currently in use have already demonstrated clear benefits to patients and staff. The introduction of two additional robots would build upon these benefits, extending the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery to more areas.
The Robotic Surgery team at NNUH has grown significantly in scope and capacity with the support of the N&N Hospitals Charity. The team is now a pioneering force in the development of robotic-assisted surgery on an international scale.
Mr Garside said: “We are so grateful to Desira for their support of our Golf Day which will raise further vital funds for our robotic appeal as well as awareness of the work we do. We are over halfway to raising those funds, thanks to the contributions of thousands of supporters and donors – through general donations, gifts in wills, customers of the Charity Café and purchasers of raffle tickets.
“This will mean more patients within our community will undergo safer, less invasive procedures which will ensure better surgical outcomes, resulting in shorter hospital stays and a reduced need for additional support post-surgery. This will in turn mean hospital and clinical resources will be made more accessible with less waiting times for many patients within our community.”
Stuart Stone, Managing Director, Desira Group, said: “It is such a privilege for us to support the N&N Hospitals Charity event for this remarkable and innovative project, that will make such a difference to all of us.
“We are also thrilled to be able to introduce and showcase our new to the UK brands OMODA and JAECOO. They have made an unprecedented entry to the UK Car Market this year, with Petrol and Plug in Hybrid Models offering amazing value for money, without any compromise in quality. It is an honour for us to sponsor the charity’s first golf day and we look forward to our continued future involvement.”
To support the appeal, go to Surgical Robots – JustGiving or for more information about the work we do, please contact charity@nnuh.nhs.uk