The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) has doubled its capacity to carry out robotic-assisted surgery, with the introduction of two new robotic systems.
The two da Vinci Surgical Robotic systems are located within the Day Procedure Unit and have been operational since Monday 19 January.
2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of robotic-assisted surgery at NNUH and this purchase means the Trust now has a total of four surgical robots – the joint-most on a single site in the East of England.
Why are the robots important?
The advanced technology of the da Vinci systems enables complex procedures to be completed with greater ease. This in turn reduces recovery times and minimises the risk of complications for patients.
The use of the robots also allows the Trust to enhance its surgical education programme, with resident doctors able to access the latest technologies in theatre.
The purchase forms part of a £3.2m grant from the N&N Hospitals Charity, who previously supported the purchase of the Trust’s second surgical robot in 2019/20 with a £1m grant.
‘Fast becoming the future’
James Hernon, NNUH Consultant Surgeon and Associate Clinical Director, said: “Robotic-assisted surgery is fast becoming the future of surgical practice and this development helps to establish ourselves as a leading centre across a range of surgical specialities.
“It also cements our ambition to become a leading training and education centre in this field of surgery in collaboration with the University of East Anglia.”
N&N Hospitals Charity Director Rachel Backshall said: “Every gift to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity is an investment in a future where patients receive world-class care here in Norfolk.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, primarily through gifts in wills, we have already raised £2.8 million to fund two surgical robots that are transforming lives by improving outcomes and reducing recovery times.
“But we are not stopping there; our vision is to reach £3.2 million and secure a third robot, giving even more patients access to cutting-edge treatment and faster recovery.”