RCH Treliske Robot Surgeon

Mounts Bay Rotary has pledged to support the campaign to have robotic surgery equipment here in Cornwall. Can you help?

ROBOTIC SURGERY – WHY IS TRELISKE HOSPITAL BEING IGNORED?

The use of robotic surgery equipment brings many benefits to patients and surgeons. Research shows that it can reduce the amount of time spent in hospital, improve outcomes, reduce further complications and even (compared with traditional ‘open’ surgery) improve post-operative recovery and quality of life. Devon (population 811,640 as at census 2021) has 7 robots spread across the county. Cornwall (population 570,300 as at census 2021) has none! WHY?

This means that increasing numbers of Cornish patients are forced to travel to various hospitals in Devon (and further afield) for treatment that cannot, and SHOULD, be provided in Cornwall.

James Clark, a colorectal surgeon, at Treliske Hospital is leading the campaign for a Robot Surgeon to come to Cornwall. He recently visited Mounts Bay Rotary and met with representatives of several Cornish Rotary Clubs (Falmouth, Helston-Lizard, Penzance and St Ives), as well as Derek Thomes MP and Councillor Jayne Kirkham from Falmouth.

James explained the need and the importance of having robotic surgery equipment here in Cornwall, and the impact that not having one is having on the lives of many Cornish folk.

Mounts Bay Rotary has pledged to support this campaign and to spread the message to One and All.

Will YOU help us? If so please write to RCH Treliske, your MP and ask why we haven’t got Robotic Surgery equipment, and when we can expect to receive it. WE NEED TO MAKE A NOISE ABOUT THIS AND ASK TO BE LISTENED TO.

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The main points from James' talk:

• We need the robotic surgery equipment for a range of operations including, but not exclusively, cancers of the digestive, urinary and gynaecology systems. Despite our Colorectal Cancer unit at Treliske Hospital has one of the highest volumes of colorectal cancer in the United Kingdom. However, of the top 20, it is the only one without a surgical robot to support its population. Across England and Wales, Cornwall is now the ONLY county that does not have access to a robot within its own borders.

• The average age of the population in Cornwall is the highest for a single UK county. In addition, the population of the county triples in the summer with tourists from other areas of the UK, Europe and the Globe. This means that the workload of the hospital is significantly different to any other county hospital in the UK.

• Devon (population 811,640 as at census 2021) has 7 robots spread across the county. Cornwall (population 570,300 as at census 2021) has none! Consequently, increasing numbers of Cornish patients are compelled to travel to various hospitals in Devon (and further afield) for treatment that cannot be provided in Cornwall.

• Based on population size alone, the case for at least one surgical robot is overwhelming. Additionally, there is the fact that, as people age, there is an increased risk of bowel, prostate and uterine cancers...all of which can be treated using a surgical robot. The 2021 census showed that 25% of the Cornish population were aged over 65.

• Treatment “out of county” necessitates the patient attending a hospital in Devon (or further away) on multiple occasions i.e. pre-operative assessment and post-operative care as well as for surgery.

• Plymouth, the nearest surgical robot, is at the Derriford Hospital. This is 79 miles away from Penzance, a travelling time of 2 hours by either train or car. A cost which must be borne by the patient and their family.

• The use of the surgical robot can and does reduce the amount of time spent in hospital. Recent research by University College London estimated a 20% reduction in the time spent in hospital, as well as improving the outcome for the patients, being treated for bladder cancer.

It also found robotic surgery reduced the chance of readmission by around half and was associated with a 77 per cent reduction in blood clots (a significant cause of health decline) when compared to patients who had ‘open’ surgery. Also, patients’ physical activity (assessed by daily steps), stamina and quality of life were increased.

• Robotic surgery enables surgeons to see the operation site more clearly, with more precise instruments. This enables the surgeon to perform better and quicker, causing less trauma to the patient and enabling a faster recovery.

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