The man, who has chosen to stay anonymous, made the donation the via Beatson Cancer Charity.
A new dual console da Vinci Xi surgical system has been purchased for use at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.(Image: NHS)
A mystery Glasgow cancer patient has kindly donated £800,000 to help bring a “minimally invasive” robotic-assisted surgery to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The man, who has chosen to stay anonymous, made the donation via the Beatson Cancer Charity, who also contributed £400,000 towards the pioneering project. He previously underwent colorectal cancer surgery with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and made the donation to help improve access for others.
As a result of his genorosity, a new dual console da Vinci Xi surgical system has been purchased for use at the QEUH. The addition of this new system will create two extra theatre days per week for colorectal cancer surgery, doubling the hospital’s current capacity.
This will significantly increase access to the gold‑standard minimally invasive approach which has been transforming outcomes for patients across Scotland.
As part of this expansion, one of the existing robotic-assisted surgical systems at QEUH will transfer to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) – the first time a surgical robot has been in use at the Paisley site.
It will bring care closer to home for people living in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire, reducing the need for travel and supporting continued development of local multi‑specialty robotic-assisted surgery programmes in colorectal, gynaecology and urology.
Alongside the donations from the patient and Beatson, NHSGGC are funding the remainder through its capital budget.
Robotic‑assisted surgery (RAS) is widely recognised for offering patients quicker recovery, reduced pain, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. The technology enables surgeons to carry out complex operations through tiny incisions, allowing enhanced precision and visibility.
The new machinery
Nationally, more than 10,000 patients in Scotland have benefited from da Vinci RAS since 2021, following significant expansion of these systems across the NHS.
Within NHSGGC, da Vinci systems are already in place at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and QEUH, supporting major specialist programmes in colorectal, gynaecology, urology, and head and neck surgery. These programmes have contributed to reduced rates of open surgery and improved access for patients.
The newly acquired surgical robot will strengthen this progress further, doubling colorectal RAS capacity at QEUH and allowing RAH to establish its first permanent robotic service.
Dr Natalie Peel, Consultant Surgeon at the QEUH, said: “Expanding our robotic‑assisted surgery service at the QEUH is a huge step forward for patients.
“The additional theatre capacity means we can offer minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery to more people, more quickly, and with the improved recovery and outcomes this technology delivers. We are enormously grateful for the generosity of our patient and the Beatson Cancer Charity that has paved the way for this advancement in patient care.”
Professor Susan Moug, Consultant Surgeon at the RAH, said: “Having a robotic-assisted surgical system at the RAH for the first time is transformational for patients in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
“It will allow us to provide state‑of‑the‑art care closer to home, reduce travel for patients and staff, and build a sustainable multi‑specialty robotic programme for the future. We are deeply thankful for the remarkable generosity that has made this possible.”
Gillian Hailstones, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are incredibly proud that Beatson Cancer Charity has been able to support this significant step forward in surgical care across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“This investment is a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration, bringing together the generosity of a patient, the support of Beatson Cancer Charity and the commitment of the NHS to improve care for people across the west of Scotland.
“We are grateful to work in partnership to help ensure more people can access the most advanced treatment available.”