Glasgow children’s hospital begins robot-assisted surgeries in world first

A groundbreaking advancement in paediatric healthcare has been achieved at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, which is now the first hospital globally to own a surgical robot exclusively for treating children. This pioneering step was made possible by a generous £1.5 million donation from a charitable trust, enabling the acquisition of the Versius Plus robot specifically designed to assist in paediatric surgeries.

The Versius Plus robot enhances the capabilities of surgeons by providing improved access during minimally invasive keyhole procedures. Its use covers a range of complex operations, including those related to cancer, urology, as well as abdominal, thoracic, and gastrointestinal conditions. Medical professionals highlight that this technology improves surgical precision, reduces post-operative pain, limits scarring, and helps young patients recover more swiftly and return to normal life sooner.

Funding for this innovative project came from the Coldstones Charitable Trust through Hi Scotland, the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s innovation division. The UK’s first paediatric surgery using the Versius system took place in 2024, following earlier implementations in adult patients. Michael Jacovides, consultant paediatric surgeon and clinical lead for the robotic surgery programme, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Robotic assisted surgery will increasingly be part of caring for children in the future and I am excited it is already here for the children of Glasgow.” He added that the team aims to expand their service to include a wider range of conditions and serve more children and babies across Scotland.

Prior to its full adoption, over 30 surgeries were performed during an evaluation period to assess the robot’s effectiveness. While some paediatric patients elsewhere have access to similar robotic systems shared with adult hospitals, Glasgow’s facility stands out as the first dedicated children’s hospital worldwide to invest in and own a system solely for paediatric use. Kirsten Watson, chief executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, praised the Coldstones Charitable Trust’s contribution, calling it “extraordinary” and emphasized that the donation has enabled the establishment of “a world-first dedicated paediatric programme based around this technology.” The Coldstones Charitable Trust continues its mission by providing financial aid to various charitable causes