North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) foundation trust has announce the successful completion of its first robotic‑assisted surgeries at the Cumberland Infirmary (CIC).
The milestone marks the beginning of a new era of advanced state-of-the-art surgery for patients across the region.
The procedures are performed using the Trust’s new da Vinci Xi robotic‑assisted surgical system, which has been nicknamed ‘Sirona’. The da Vinci Xi enables surgeons to operate with enhanced accuracy through magnified 3D vision and finely controlled instrument movements, resulting in reduced trauma to tissue and faster recovery times.
Mr Chris Rao, Colorectal Consultant and General Surgeon, led the first case following several years of planning, training, and collaboration across clinical and management teams. He described the achievement as a landmark moment for the Trust and for surgical care in Cumbria:
“This is a hugely exciting step for NCIC and something our teams have worked incredibly hard to bring to life. Robotic‑assisted surgery allows us to operate with a level of precision that simply isn’t possible with traditional techniques. That means less pain, fewer complications, and quicker recovery for our patients. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in getting us to this point, and I’m delighted that patients in Cumbria can now benefit from this state‑of‑the‑art technology.”
Lee Ellis, aged 43 was one of the first people to have robotic assisted surgery at CIC – he had gall bladder surgery last month. He said of the experience:
“When I was first told I would be having robotic-assisted surgery I was really intrigued! I work in research and development so it was something I was very interested in, and even asked to see it before my operation. Unfortunately I have had a number of different surgeries over the years, and I do feel like the scars are a lot neater this time and I’m recovering quicker than I expected. Overall I found the experience fascinating and I am so pleased I was able to have surgery using this cutting edge technology.”
Sirona was named following a Trust‑wide competition, with the winning name honouring the Celtic goddess of healing. The name reflects the region’s Celtic heritage and continues the theatres department’s tradition of naming equipment after gods and goddesses.
The introduction of robotic‑assisted surgery has involved extensive preparation. Surgeons have completed more than 30 hours of digital simulation and specialist external training, while theatre and anaesthetic teams have undertaken a combination of simulation sessions, online learning, and observational visits to established robotic centres. The first procedures are being supervised by surgeons experienced in robotic-assisted surgery from outside the Trust to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
NCIC has ambitious plans for the future of robotic surgery. Over the next decade, the Trust aims to expand its programme, with a second robotic system planned for West Cumberland Hospital in the near future and further systems to follow. This expansion will support wider access to minimally invasive surgery, enhance recruitment and retention, and provide resident doctors with training on the most advanced surgical platforms available.
The successful first procedure marks the beginning of a transformative journey for surgical services in North Cumbria, ensuring that patients in our area benefit from the latest innovations in healthcare.
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