As usual, Cornwall gets it later than everywhere else – and only after a massive local campaign and fundraiser to have the tech finally come here
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust surgeon Nick Battersby pictured trialling a surgical robot control system which will soon come to Cornwall(Image: RCHT)
Cornwall’s main hospital will finally be able to operate a robot surgeon when almost every other hospital in the land already has one.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) has announced it will soon receive its first ever soft‑tissue robotic surgical system after NHS England committed £2 million to fund the piece of tech and for training six surgeon to use it.
Bosses at the trust said the investment represents a major step forward for patient care in the county.
The robot will help surgeons operate more precisely in small, difficult-to-reach areas of the body, improving treatment for cancers of the digestive and urinary systems, endometriosis, and certain metabolic conditions including some forms of diabetes.
Until now, patients in Cornwall needing robotic surgery had to travel to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth or beyond.
The RCHT said the new system at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, Truro, will provide fairer and faster access to state‑of‑the‑art surgical care, reduce travel for patients and families, and help ease demand on neighbouring services.
The trust said the announcement represents a landmark moment for Cornwall and the result of a sustained, collaborative campaign led by RCHT surgeons, Rotary Clubs across Cornwall, community fundraising groups, local residents, and the unified support of Cornwall’s six MPs.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust surgeon Nick Battersby pictured trialling a surgical robot control system which will soon come to Cornwall(Image: RCHT)
Steve Williamson, RCHT outgoing chief executive, said: “This is a fantastic moment for healthcare in Cornwall. The introduction of robotic surgery will transform the experience of hundreds of patients every year.
“We are incredibly grateful for the energy and commitment shown by our surgeons, our community groups, Rotary Clubs across Cornwall, and all of Cornwall’s MPs, who came together to champion this investment for our county.”
Royal Cornwall Hospitals surgeons Professor James Clark and Nicholas Battersby have long advocated for the technology, raising awareness through local events, including a 5km sea swim across Falmouth Bay led by Mr Battersby.
Professor Clark, the divisional chair for surgery and lead for the soft tissue robotic surgical programme said: “This is a landmark moment for surgery in Cornwall.
“After years of planning, this investment brings the most advanced surgical technology to our patients and ensures they are no longer disadvantaged by geography. It also helps us attract and retain exceptional surgeons, securing high-quality care for the future.”
Mr Battersby added: “Robotic surgery continues to expand across the NHS because it offers exceptional precision and better outcomes. We are thrilled that patients in Cornwall will soon benefit directly from this technology without having to travel far afield.”
David Stewart from Falmouth Rotary Club, one of the groups which has campaigned and fundraised for the tech to come to Cornwall, said: “This is a big moment for Cornwall and proof that community action really can make a difference. Together Rotary Clubs across Cornwall have contributed over £20,000 to the project.”
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