£3.275m for robotic surgery in Swansea

26 Jan 2015 11:44 AM

Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething recently visited Morriston Hospital, in Swansea, to announce a £3.275m investment in world-class surgical facilities.

The hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art robotic training equipment and three operating theatres will be upgraded with new technology. Once completed, the three theatres will be the first in Morriston Hospital dedicated to minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery.  

Surgeons will use a voice-operated camera on a robot to carry out procedures in the theatres – robotic-assisted treatments will eventually be available in a number of specialities, including ear nose and throat, oral and maxillofacial, bariatric and urology surgery.  

The Welsh Government investment will also fund a training console for the Da Vinci robot, which is based at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff and is used in prostate surgery.

The console will allow surgeons from across Gwent, Cardiff and Swansea to train on the new technology outside the live theatre environment and receive support from experienced clinical mentors via video link-up.  

Vaughan Gething said:

“These advanced facilities will help to attract specialists to Wales and ensure that Welsh patients are able to benefit from the latest treatments available."

“It also creates advanced treatment and training facilities for surgical teams and will offer the ability to train in realistic scenarios outside a live theatre environment."      

Professor Andrew Davies, chair of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, said:

“This is great news for patients as it will allow our doctors and nurses to improve and extend their skills and surgical techniques. It is also a vote of confidence by the Welsh Government in Morriston Hospital and recognition of its growing reputation as a regional centre for excellence.”

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board are working together as part of a regional service to provide robotic surgery.