Spire Murrayfield Hospital to provide state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery for NHS cancer patients

NHS Lothian patients suffering from prostate cancer are set to benefit from the arrival of new robotic technology at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals. From this week, NHS surgeons will begin performing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) at Spire Murrayfield Hospital using a da Vinci robot provided by medical technology company Intuitive.  

This exciting new development supplements the da Vinci service already in place at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, and will help to ensure that patients can continue to receive vital surgery, despite COVID restrictions. 

Led by NHS Lothian Consultant Urologist Professor Alan McNeill, the team at Spire Murrayfield Hospital will be utilising the innovative technology to deliver surgery for patients undergoing prostatectomy. Benefits can include quicker patient recovery times and lower rates of complication when compared with open surgery. Additionally, the robot provides a safe and precise experience for the surgeon.

Professor McNeill said: "I’m pleased that Spire Edinburgh Hospitals will now be able to offer NHS patients this important surgery. This development will help to shorten waiting times, whilst freeing up theatre space across NHS Lothian to allow treatment of other patients at this time of high demand. It also supplements the existing da Vinci service already in place at NHS Lothian’s Western General Hosptial.”

Consultant Urologist Professor Alan McNeill and the da Vinci robot

Robotic urology lead for Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Yvonne Anderson said: “We are delighted to be able to start using the da Vinci robot and it is a privilege to deliver a service on behalf of NHS Lothian, which provides vital support throughout the pandemic. Our ability to see and treat NHS cancer patients allows us to provide continuity of care to this vulnerable group, whilst minimising delays in vital treatment.”

Despite the ongoing challenges that the COVID pandemic has presented, NHS Lothian has remained committed to providing care and treatment to patients, based on clinical need. One of the ways that this has been achieved is through a range of contracts with private healthcare providers, such as Spire, to deliver a range of services for patients.

Jacquie Campbell, Chief Officer Acute Services, NHS Lothian said: “The pressures facing all health Boards cannot be underestimated as we continue to respond to the COVID pandemic. As part of our commitment to ensuing that we can see and treat as many patients as possible, based on clinical need, we have explored a range of options to support with this.

“Having contracts in place with a number of private healthcare providers has helped to ensure that treatments can continue for patients across Lothian.

“I am pleased that the Spire Murrayfield Hospital now has the da Vinci robot. We have seen first-hand the impact of this technology, and I am delighted that we can expand this surgical option for our patients.”