Cornwall to get its first surgical robot

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is delighted to confirm that Cornwall will receive its first ever soft‑tissue robotic surgical system – a major step forward for patient care in the county. 

NHS England has committed £2 million to fund the new technology and the specialist training required for six RCHT surgeons, which has meant the RCHT board has been able to give it the final go ahead after its board meeting this week. 

The announcement is a landmark moment for Cornwall and the result of a sustained, collaborative campaign led by RCHT surgeons, Rotary Clubs across Cornwall, community fundraising groups, local residents, and the unified support of all six of Cornwall’s MPs. 

Until now, Cornish patients needing robotic surgery have had to travel to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth or beyond. The new system at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro will provide fairer and faster access to state‑of‑the‑art surgical care, reduce travel for patients and families, and help ease demand on neighbouring services. 

The robot helps surgeons operate more precisely in small, difficult-to-reach areas of the body, improving treatment for cancers of the digestive and urinary systems, endometriosis, and certain metabolic conditions including some forms of diabetes. 

RCHT Chief Executive Steve Williamson said: “This is a fantastic moment for healthcare in Cornwall. The introduction of robotic surgery will transform the experience of hundreds of patients every year. We are incredibly grateful for the energy and commitment shown by our surgeons, our community groups, Rotary Clubs across Cornwall, and all of Cornwall’s MPs, who came together to champion this investment for our county.” 

Royal Cornwall Hospitals surgeons: Professor James Clark and Mr Nicholas Battersby have long advocated for the technology, raising awareness through local events, including a 5km sea swim across Falmouth Bay led by Mr Battersby. 

Professor Clark, Divisional Chair for Surgery and Lead for the Soft tissue Robotic Surgical programme stated: “This is a landmark moment for surgery in Cornwall. After years of planning, this investment brings the most advanced surgical technology to our patients and ensures they are no longer disadvantaged by geography. It also helps us attract and retain exceptional surgeons, securing high-quality care for the future.” 

Mr Battersby added: “Robotic surgery continues to expand across the NHS because it offers exceptional precision and better outcomes. We are thrilled that patients in Cornwall will soon benefit directly from this technology without having to travel far afield.” 

Community support played a major role in demonstrating public backing for the technology. Groups such as The Blue Belles helped raise more than £20,000 through the Robotic Surgery Fund of Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity towards future costs, and Rotary Clubs across Cornwall kept the issue firmly on the public agenda. 

David Stewart from Falmouth Rotary Club said: “This is a big moment for Cornwall and proof that community action really can make a difference. Together Rotary Clubs across Cornwall have contributed over £20,000 to the project.” 

Karen Murrish, Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, Fundraising Manager said: ‘’Our charity has been privileged to support the many individuals, community groups, and organisations across Cornwall who have thrown their energy behind the Surgical Robot Fund. The impact for patients has been clear from the outset, fairer access to cutting‑edge treatment, reduced travel for families, and life‑changing improvements in surgical care. That clarity of purpose has inspired extraordinary generosity and creativity from our supporters.’’

RCHT will be responsible for the ongoing operational costs, with installation and training expected to begin later this year.