My WiSH Charity has launched a £1 million fundraising appeal to power state-of-the-art robot-assisted surgery to west Suffolk.
In its largest ever appeal, the charity – which fundraises to innovate and enhance care at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust - is helping to modernise surgery for the region and improve the experience of patients.
The appeal will fund the use of advanced surgical robotics at West Suffolk Hospital, enabling surgeons to carry out procedures with greater precision while maintaining the same highly skilled clinical leadership patients expect.
NHS England predicts that, within a decade, 9 in 10 keyhole surgeries will be performed with the use of robots, and both the Trust and charity want patients to benefit from this cutting-edge surgery now.
Joanne Landucci, head of fundraising at My WiSH, said:
This appeal is about investing in the future of healthcare for our community. With the support of our patients, donors, and partners, we can support world-class robot-assisted surgery and make a lasting difference to thousands of lives.”
What this means for patients
Robot-assisted surgery allows for smaller incisions, which can significantly reduce discomfort and scar tissue. Patients can expect to benefit from faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and an earlier return home.
Currently, many operations at West Suffolk Hospital are performed laparoscopically, sometimes known as ‘keyhole’ surgery. With the introduction of surgical robots, many of these patients could benefit from even more refined surgical techniques, improving both patient experience and outcomes.
The robot, called Versius, is designed to work alongside surgeons, not replace them. The surgical team remains fully in control throughout each procedure, with the robot enhancing accuracy, flexibility, and visibility.
Versius is manufactured locally in Cambridge by CMR Surgical, supporting innovation close to home.
Benefits beyond the operating theatre
In addition to improving patient care, robot-assisted surgery also supports surgical teams. It reduces physical strain on surgeons, modernises surgical practice, and helps West Suffolk Hospital attract, train, and retain the very best clinicians, ensuring high-quality care for years to come.
Mr Krashna Patel is a consultant at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, specialising in upper gastrointestinal surgery, and is excited about the use of robot-assisted surgery.
He said: “This advanced technology enhances precision, flexibility and 3D vision across colorectal, upper gastrointestinal, gynaecological and urological surgery, supporting smaller incisions and improved patient outcomes.
I’m looking forward to starting our robotic programme and attracting the next generation of talented surgeons to our hospital.”
The robot has already been delivered to West Suffolk Hospital to allow installation and training to begin immediately, helping staff and patients to benefit sooner.
The £1 million robot appeal is now underway, and the charity is calling on the local community, businesses, and supporters to help make this vital investment in patient care a reality.