Versius has a busy first month
Versius Plus, our new robotic surgical system, has helped nine people to get back on their feet quicker following their recent surgery at Torbay Hospital.
Our surgical team began using the new robotic system on 15 October to treat a range of conditions such as gallbladder removal and colorectal cancer as part of an exciting new six-month working collaboration with CMR Surgical.
Surgeons operate the robotic system using console controllers similar to those used by gamers to control the robot’s arms, and the 3D screen which shows the area being operated on enables surgeons to have greater precision during the procedure.
Consultant General and colorectal surgeon Adam Kimble said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for our team and patients in Torbay and South Devon as the use of robotics in surgery has tangible benefits to our patients, including a quicker recovery time.
“Mr Platt and Mr Kostalas successfully performed our first surgery on a patient who had their gallbladder removed as a day patient case and was able to recover at home, which they were over the moon about.
“We have used the robot during three colorectal cancer surgeries and six gallbladder removals. The use of robotics in surgery is a game-changer as it ensures any abdominal dissection is precise, and patients whose procedure has been performed this way generally have less post-operative pain and a faster recovery so they can get back to doing the things they love to do.”
As well as benefits for patient care, Versius is also enabling the surgical teams to learn and share new skills. “This is really exciting and brings us in-line with the NHS 10 Year Plan to show how we’re using cutting-edge technology to deliver care to people in Torbay and South Devon,” Adam adds. “There’s been a real buzz since we’ve started using the robot and staff are training their colleagues – there’s a real sense of camaraderie and team work.”
The colorectal surgeries were overseen by Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s Consultant Colorectal and Robotic Surgeon, Atanu Pal, and Yusef Moulla, a senior Consultant of Abdominal Surgery at Chemnitz Hospital, Germany, who are both experts (also known as proctors) in the use of robotics in the operating theatre and provided real-time feedback and guidance to help the team develop their technical skills .
Celebrating our carers
On 20 November, Carers’ Rights Day, we celebrated the 32,000 unpaid carers across Torbay and South Devon who give their time and commitment to support others.
Many people may not even classify themselves as a carer if it’s a family member, friend or neighbour they support who has health and care needs, including a long-term condition, mental health or addiction issues. They may just feel they’re doing something to help another person they care for and may not be aware of the support that’s available to them. Carers’ Rights Day aims to ensure people know where to go for advice, to ensure they’re receiving the support they’re entitled to and know their rights across hospitals, GPs and social care.
We know our health and care system can be complicated to navigate, and we’re committed to supporting carers. On Carers’ Rights Day we updated our Commitment to Carers which pledges that we will consider carers in everything we do, and was signed by Joe Teape, and our Chief Nurse, Nicola McMinn.
We know our health and care system can be complicated to navigate, and we’re committed to supporting carers. On Carers’ Rights Day we updated our Commitment to Carers which pledges that we will consider carers in everything we do, and was signed by Joe Teape, and our Chief Nurse, Nicola McMinn.
The pledge, which was also signed by Torbay Council, covers seven principles to ensure we do all we can to identify and support carers, enabling them to make informed decisions about their caring role.
Joe said: “We value our carers and appreciate the important contribution they make to families, communities and wider society.
“Carers Rights’ Day is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the contribution that carers make to our communities, and to ensure that people who may not know they’re a carer are getting the help and support they need.”
We want to do more to identify, record and support carers, including ensuring people are aware of the orange carers’ lanyard so we can easily identify carers and make sure we communicate with them. If you are a carer, please tell us at any of your own appointments, of those you attend to support someone else so we can make sure you’re getting all the help and support you need. Carers are also entitled to free parking when visiting our sites while supporting other people, and discounts in our Bayview Restaurant at Torbay Hospital.
For more details about the Carers’ Passport and the support that’s available, please visit our Carers’ Passport page.