Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that a coalition of charities has come together to purchase a new table that will improve robotic surgery at Musgrove Park Hospital.
The Somerset Bowel Cancer Charity, Musgrove Park League of Friends, Love Musgrove, and Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) collectively raised tens of thousands of pounds through various fundraising events throughout 2024. These efforts have significantly bolstered the hospital's capabilities in providing cutting-edge medical care.
Musgrove Park Hospital ventured into the realm of robotic surgery in 2023, thanks to a remarkable £1.5 million donation from the League of Friends and its dedicated supporters. This landmark contribution facilitated the acquisition of the Da Vinci robot, a sophisticated surgical system that has since enabled surgeons to conduct more intricate operations with minimal invasiveness, thus enhancing patient outcomes.
The addition of the new operating table, funded by the combined efforts of the aforementioned charities, has further optimised the use of the Da Vinci robot. This advanced equipment simplifies the surgical setup process, consequently saving critical time and allowing more patients to benefit from robotic surgery within a single operating list.
Colorectal Surgeon Tom Edwards said:
“This specialist operating table really is the icing on the cake, as it means we can use the robot to the absolute best of its ability.
“It’ll mean that we can get through operating cases quicker thanks to a reduction in the preparation and set up time, with the potential of being able to schedule in more patients for surgery on a single day, helping to bring down our waiting times.
“It’s so much better to have the robot paired up with the operating table, as up until now we’ve been using a standard operating table that wasn’t calibrated for the robot.
“While this was perfectly safe, it did mean it was taking a bit too long for us to move things around, as our theatres support colleagues had to undock the robot, and then redock it once we’d moved the patient – it wasn’t ideal.
“In fact, it tended to cost us around an extra 20 minutes for each patient, so we’re now gaining around an hour a day with the new operating table.”
The integration of robotic surgery at Musgrove Park Hospital marks a significant advancement in the facility's medical services. The Da Vinci robot's precision and minimally invasive techniques have revolutionised the way complex surgeries are performed, reducing recovery times and improving overall patient experiences.
The newly acquired specialist operating table represents another milestone in the hospital's journey towards excellence in surgical care. By streamlining the setup process, the table ensures that surgeons can maximise their time and resources, ultimately offering more patients access to life-changing procedures.
The unwavering support from local charities underscores the community's commitment to advancing healthcare at Musgrove Park Hospital. Their generous donations have not only enabled the acquisition of state-of-the-art surgical equipment but also highlighted the power of collective efforts in driving medical innovation.
As Musgrove Park Hospital continues to embrace technological advancements, the contributions from Somerset Bowel Cancer Charity, Musgrove Park League of Friends, Love Musgrove, and SURE serve as a testament to the transformative impact of community-driven fundraising.
With the new operating table in place, Musgrove Park Hospital is poised to expand its robotic surgery capabilities further, offering enhanced care and improved outcomes for an increasing number of patients.
Image credit: Somerset NHS FT
