The future of surgery in Norfolk has taken another major step forward with the official opening of the Norfolk and Norwich Institute of Robotic Surgery at the N&N.
The institute was officially opened by Politics East and Look East presenter Amelia Reynolds during a special celebration event attended by hospital staff, supporters of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, patients and invited guests.
As part of the opening, Amelia revealed the names of the Trust's two newest surgical robots, chosen through a competition involving schools from across Norfolk. The winning entries were Renew, submitted by Norwich School, and Curiosity, submitted by Horsford Mill Lane Primary School.
The new institute brings together the N&N’s growing robotic surgery programme, providing a centre for innovation, training and world-class patient care.
Guests enjoyed guided tours of the robotic surgery facilities and presentations showcasing how robotic technology is transforming treatment for thousands of patients across Norfolk and beyond.
The opening follows the arrival of two state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robots, funded entirely through gifts in wills and charitable donations. The £2.8 million investment has doubled the hospital's robotic surgery capacity and is already helping more patients benefit from less invasive procedures, reduced pain and faster recovery times.
A decade of innovation
The Trust carried out its first robotic surgery procedure ten years ago. Since then, the programme has expanded rapidly, with thousands of patients benefiting from pioneering treatments delivered closer to home.
The new Institute will support the continued development of robotic-assisted surgery, helping train future generations of surgeons while ensuring patients across the region have access to some of the most advanced surgical technology available.
Rachel Backshall, Charity Director at Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity, thanked supporters for helping make the Institute possible.
She said: "The opening of this Institute marks an exciting new chapter for healthcare in Norfolk. Seeing the passion, expertise and innovation behind this programme has been truly inspiring, and it's remarkable to see what has been achieved thanks to the support of the local community."
"The opening of the Norfolk and Norwich Institute of Robotic Surgery is a proud moment for all of us. We have already raised £3 million towards our appeal and are now fundraising for a further £160,000 to help fund a fifth robot and expand access to this life-changing technology for even more patients.
“With the £1m we invested into the second robot in 2019/20, our overall investment in robotic surgery will be £4.2m.”
To support the appeal and help fund the next surgical robot, contact charity@nnuh.nhs.uk
Picture caption from left: N&N Hospitals Charity Director Rachel Backshall, Consultant Surgeon James Hernon, Politics East and Look East Presenter Amelia Reynolds, Group CEO Prof Lesley Dwyer and Theo Bilham, winner of our draw the robot competition.