Hartlepool Hospital Invests in First Surgery Robot Technology

The University Hospital of Hartlepool has welcomed it’s first robotic technology, ROSA,  into its operating department.

The hospital have invested in the ROSA robot technology to assist with knee joint replacement, helping surgeons to position implants more accurately during an operation. 

Last year the Hartlepool site was awarded surgical hub accreditatirobotic on from NHS England, meaning it can increase the number of non-urgent operations it carries out for issues like hip and knee replacements, gynaecology, surgical and breast procedures.

According to National Health Executive, this accreditation solidifies Hartlepool’s position as a leading centre for surgical excellence. 

Anwar Jafri, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, and his team at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation started using the systems a few weeks ago. 

Quoted on the NHS website, Mr Jafri said:

We are delighted to offer this to our local community. This robotic surgical assistant is going to help us offer individualised treatment for each patient. It is also going to help us plan, prepare and position implants with a high degree of precision and consistency.

What is the ROSA Knee System? 

What is the ROSA® Knee System? The ROSA® Knee System is a robotic surgical assistant developed by Zimmer Biomet for total knee replacement.

Designed by surgeons for surgeons, the ROSA® Knee System provides objective soft tissue feedback and accurate bone resections, which aim to restore a patient’s natural knee. ROSA Knee collects intra-operative metrics to inform your decision-making and provide data-driven insights, so you can focus on achieving the optimal outcome for each patient.

Sarah Waite, theatre robotic matron, added: “It is an exciting time for the trust as we significantly invest in robotic technology to help provide even better treatment and care for our patients.”

The mymobility patient app – personalised patient recovery guidance

Another technological advancement that has helped patient care is the mymobility® app, a patient engagement platform. 

The app can be used by a patient on their smartphones – allowing health staff to support patients with education and advice both before and after surgery.

mymobility® is a surgical journey companion app that gives you a constant connection to your surgeon and care team. You’ll receive helpful reminders, progress reports, support and guidance that’s unique to you for increased visibility into your recovery.  It’s a personalized way to keep you moving and keep you connected like never before.

Speaking about the app in relation to the new robot technology, Jafri continued:

It will add to the other cutting-edge technologies we already use in the service. These include the mymobility patient App for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, that we have pioneered with our industry partners Apple and Zimmer-Biomet.

The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust first invested in robotic technology in its other operating department at the University Hospital of North Tees.

Another investment in the works is a new robotic and emergency maternity theatre at the North Tees site.