The Welsh Government has announced the provision of £4.2 million over five years for a national programme to support robotic assisted surgery.
It will involve the introduction of an All-Wales Robotic Assisted Surgery Network, developed by the country’s health boards – which are also providing £13.3 million over 10 years – the Life Sciences Hub Wales and Moondance Cancer Initiative.
The health boards will deliver the programme in a partnership with medical technology company CMR Surgical, which will provide the equipment, maintenance and training and support research into procedures.
The surgery involves the use of highly advanced robotic surgery instruments under the control of a surgeon. It will initially be used in Wales for some colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, urological and gynaecological cancers.
Ambitious and important
Health and Social Services Minister Eluned Morgan said: “The All-Wales Robotic Assisted Surgery Network is an ambitious and important programme helping to improve outcomes for patients and the NHS in Wales.
“It will put Wales at the forefront of international research for the use of robotic surgical techniques. This pioneering service will also encourage specialist staff to come to Wales to train and practice.”
The surgery will initially be provided in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area, with the first patient expected to receive treatment in June, then soon after at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. This will save patients from having to travel to England for the surgery.
Dr Mark Slack, chief medical officer of CMR Surgical, said: “This is a landmark move by NHS Wales and one that will bring many benefits to surgeons and patients providing them access to life changing innovation.
“We are proud to be part of this programme and believe countries around the world will be looking towards Wales as a potential model for implementation of surgical robotics using advanced technology.”
