Newcastle hospital unveils robotic surgery

A private hospital is stepping up its services with a major technology investment aimed at enhancing orthopaedic care.

Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital has introduced the Mako robotic arm assisted surgery system, designed to improve precision in knee and hip replacements. 

Consultants say the state-of-the-art technology will allow “patient specific planning” and “more precise surgery” using a personalised 3D model and a robotic arm that removes damaged tissue with pinpoint accuracy.

They add that patients will benefit from reduced pain, “helping with early recovery” and shorter hospital stays, with some patients being discharged the same day. 

The technology will also support long-term joint performance and durability.

Phil Middleton, hospital director at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital, said: “I’m delighted to announce Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital’s investment in robotic surgery. 

“The Stryker MAKO provides surgeons with robotic assisted hip and knee replacement surgery. 

“The benefits patients find when surgeons use this product is accurate prosthesis placement, faster recovery times and reduced pain and swelling after their operation due to the precision cuts performed by the surgeon when using the MAKO. 

“We’re committed to providing patients a choice of options to get the best possible outcomes and proud to be introducing this incredible technology to the hospital.”

David Weir, one of the orthopaedic consultants using the new technology at the hospital, added: “Robotic assisted surgery using the MAKO robot allows a more accurate and reproducible placement of the knee replacement specific to the individual patient. 

“The arrival of the MAKO robot at the Newcastle Nuffield is an exciting opportunity allowing surgeons certified in the use of the MAKO robot to provide such a level of accuracy for private patients.”

Newcastle now joins several other UK cities offering robotic arm assisted orthopaedic procedures through Nuffield Health.

The investment is part of Nuffield Health’s wider strategy to establish the hospital as a leading regional orthopaedic hub and follows a £200 million national partnership with GE Healthcare to enhance diagnostic capabilities across multiple sites.

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