03/04/2026
There was a very special delivery to Altnagelvin Hospital Theatres this week, as Western Trust Consultant Surgeons, theatre teams and Trust Corporate Management gathered to welcome a new state-of-the-art surgical robot.
Unveiled in Theatre 9, the advanced surgical robot marks a milestone for the Trust and will revolutionise surgical procedures performed in Altnagelvin Hospital. The robot is designed to improve patient outcomes through minimally invasive, highly precise and robot-assisted procedures using robotic arms, controlled by a Surgeon from a console.
Western Trust Consultant Surgeon Mr Ahmed Marzouk explained:
“We are stepping in to the future of surgery at Altnagelvin Hospital, with this state-of-the-art robot being used across multiple specialities including Colorectal and Upper GI surgery, Gynaecological surgery and Urology.
“The robot essentially enhances the surgeon’s capabilities, providing greater control and improved accuracy and as a result delivers significant benefits for patients, including more precise operations and fewer risks of complications. Robotic-assisted surgery is continually evolving, and I am delighted for my fellow surgeons and trainees and most importantly our patients, that we can now introduce this innovative technology to Altnagelvin Hospital.”
Mark Gillespie, Director of Surgery, Paediatrics and Women’s Health at the Western Trust, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome this remarkable addition to Altnagelvin. It represents a significant leap forward in the Trust’s commitment to innovation. By introducing this state-of-the-art robotic technology, we can expect to see reduced complications and improved outcomes for our patients.”
“These improvements are expected to directly contribute to elevated patient experiences, increased surgical efficiency, and more effective utilisation of inpatient beds, thereby supporting elective recovery and strengthening long-term service resilience.”
Mark concluded:
“The Trust’s investment in this surgical robot will not only benefit patients but will also support the professional development of our surgical team, and as a teaching hospital will attract our future surgeons will get to experience this state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgery.”