The Institute of Robotic Surgery will bring together the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital’s (N&N) growing programme of robot-assisted operations, while providing a centre training and patient care.
Its opening comes after two new state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robots arrived at the hospital, doubling its robotic surgery capacity.
The machines, which cost a combined £2.8m, were funded entirely through gifts left in wills and charitable donations to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.
Bosses at the N&N say the investment is already allowing more patients to undergo less invasive procedures, which can reduce pain and lead to faster recovery times.
New robotic surgery institute opens at Norfolk and Norwich hospital (Image: Newsquest)
The institute was officially opened by BBC Politics East and Look East presenter Amelia Reynolds during a celebration attended by hospital staff, patients, charity supporters and guests.
Visitors were given tours of the robotic surgery facilities and presentations showing how the technology is being used to transform treatment for thousands of patients in Norfolk.
During the event, Ms Reynolds also revealed the names of the trust’s two newest surgical robots.
Children from schools across Norfolk had been invited to enter a competition to name them.
The winning names were Renew, suggested by Norwich School, and Curiosity, submitted by Horsford Mill Lane Primary School.
The opening marks a decade since the hospital carried out its first robotic procedure.
Since then, the programme has expanded significantly, with thousands of patients benefiting from treatments delivered closer to home.
The technology allows surgeons to perform complex operations using small incisions, with the surgeon controlling highly precise robotic instruments from a console.
Robotic systems can offer surgeons an enhanced view of the operating area and a greater range of movement than conventional surgical instruments.
They are used to assist surgeons rather than operating independently, with every movement controlled by the medical team.
New robotic surgery institute opens at Norfolk and Norwich hospital (Image: Newsquest)
The new institute will support the continued development of robot-assisted surgery at the N&N and help to train future generations of surgeons.
Hospital leaders said it would also ensure patients across the region could access some of the most advanced surgical technology available.
Rachel Backshall, charity director, thanked supporters whose donations had made the institute possible.
She said: “The opening of this institute marks an exciting new chapter for healthcare in Norfolk.
“Seeing the passion, expertise and innovation behind this programme has been truly inspiring, and it’s remarkable to see what has been achieved thanks to the support of the local community.
“The opening of the Norfolk and Norwich Institute of Robotic Surgery is a proud moment for all of us.
“We have already raised £3m towards our appeal and are now fundraising for a further £160,000 to help fund a fifth robot and expand access to this life-changing technology for even more patients.”
The charity previously invested £1m in the hospital’s second surgical robot during 2019 and 2020.
Ms Backshall said its overall investment in robotic surgery would reach £4.2m as a result of the latest fundraising drive.
The opening also reflects the growing role played by charitable donations in funding specialist equipment and improvements across the hospital.
The Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity supports services at the N&N, Cromer Hospital and Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital, funding equipment, research and facilities beyond those normally provided by the NHS.
Anyone wishing to support the appeal for the hospital’s next surgical robot can contact the charity at charity@nnuh.nhs.uk