Robot Assisted Tech to be Used in Glasgow Hospitals

Scottish Government invests £20million in robotic-assisted surgery systems for cancer treatment.

23:51 17 June 2021

The Scottish Government is set to acquire ten surgical robots that will be used in cancer treatment. The scheme aims to shorten waiting time, make the procedures less invasive and boost hospital capacity. 

 

The robotic-assisted surgery systems will be distributed to hospitals in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank. 

 

Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf, said: “This new technology will transform the experience of surgery for hundreds of patients every year, while easing the pressure on surgeons with shorter procedures that are less physically demanding to carry out. They will also reduce waiting times and provide us with regular data so we can continue to improve our health service." 

 

“Crucially, these robotic systems will help to attract a broader pool of surgeons to work here, so we can build a stronger NHS Scotland for the future.”

 

Claire Donaghy, Head of External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer, which is Scotland’s third most common cancer, and central to curing the disease. But it’s often open surgery, which can mean a long recovery time for patients.

 

“Robotic-assisted surgery is less invasive and can reduce the time spent in hospital recovering by up to five days. We’re delighted the Scottish Government has invested in additional robotic-assisted surgical systems so more people across the country have access to this innovative technology.”