Robotic Arm for Cornwall

Rotary Meting 3rd September 2024  Pictured above are  Karen Murrish (Fundraising Manager RCHT) Rtn David Stewart (Falmouth RC) Nick Battersby (Consultant Surgeon RCHT) Elke Deeley (President St Austell RC) Nigel Davey (Assistant District Governor) 

Our Meeting welcomed Nick Battersby, Consultant Surgeon at Royal Cornwall Hospital, together with Karen Murrish the Trust's Hospital Charity Manager. Nick came to talk to us about the need for Robotic Surgery in Cornwall

Although Cornwall has a population of 570,300 (taken in the 2021 Census), it compares very unfavorably with other parts of England, particularly Devon which has a population of over 811,640 (taken at the same time), in having no robotic arms. Devon has seven.

The equipment can help surgons treat the more complex conditions, including coloretal cancers, as well as those of the digestive,urinary and gynaecology systems. At Present, patients needing such treatment have to travel to Devon and further afield on a number of occasions, at their own cost. The trauma of the travel on patients, relatives and friends cannot be understated.

As people age, the need for treatment for a range of cancers increases, including bowel, prostate and uterine cnacers. The same cencus shows 25% of our population is over 65.

Robotic surgery reduces the likelihood of time spent in hospital by about 20% and the chance of readmission by around half and a 77% reduction in blood clots. It also improves the quality of life for patients. Its added precision offers the possibility patients avoiding the need for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stoma bags.

The absence of the equipment is a disincentive for well qualified and trained doctors to work at Treliske. The neeed for the equipment is great, with Treliske already working with Exeter University to develop training for doctors.

The introduction of the equipment would allow a greater number of patients being treated each day.

Nick explained that the equipment is costly, at about £2.3M. The trust is seeking to raise funds from a number of sources. Falmouth Rotary Club have led the way in Cornwall in raising funds through the Rotary Clubs in our District to encourage matching funds to be made available from elsewhere including Foundation and others. The NHS locally and Nationally is also being approached, but evidence of local support is very persuasive.

The Chair of Falmouth, David Stewart spoke about the steps taken so far, with Karen giving as indication of the funds raised locally. Our meeting was attended by 56 people, including representatives from a number of other Rotary Clubs, as well as our partners and other guests. A number of questions were asked by the audience.

Elke reminded us that we had already agreed to make this need aour primary target for fund-raising this year. The meeting gave its support again for this purpose and its need.

Other people and organisations had already begun support. Nick himself had taken part in a fund-raising swim last year from Rosemullion Head to Pendennis Point, and was doing the same again this year.

Stuart Bradbury gave a Vote of thanks with the club joining in, fully applauded our speakers and their objectives.