£1.5 Million Donation Transforms Robotic Surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary

In a groundbreaking move, the Samworth Foundation’s £1.5 million gift drives innovation in healthcare at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

A generous gift of £1.5 million from the Samworth Foundation will help purchase a new Da Vinci Xi robot for Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) at the Leicester Royal Infirmary which will significantly help improve care and provide lifesaving surgery for patients living in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

Hope Arises for Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Leicestershire

The revolutionary robot enables precise, incision-free treatment options. For the first time ever head and neck cancer patients in Leicestershire will be able to access RAS. The robot will allow the removal of all the tumours and more precise margins to operate via the mouth without the need for incisions or going through abrasive procedures through the jaw.  This will help to improve postoperative pain and shorter recovery times.

Support Your Local Charity: Samworth Foundation’s Impact on Healthcare

The Samworth Foundation’s £1.5 million donation enhances healthcare for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. Dr Oladejo Olaleye, Consultant Head & Neck and Lead Robotic Surgeon at Leicester’s Hospitals said:

”Our head and neck cancer team work carefully with every patient to determine what is the best possible treatment for them based on their age, general health and how advanced the cancer is. Our patients in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland will now have the option of Robot-Assisted Surgery which allows us to safely and completely remove throat cancers and avoid the need for six weeks of chemo-radiotherapy treatment”.

Robotic Surgery’s Role in Battling Tonsil and Tongue Cancers

”We are seeing more patients with cancers of the tonsil and back of the tongue caused by human papillomavirus, especially in younger patients who do not smoke or drink alcohol. Sometimes patients notice only a neck lump and the origin of the cancer is unclear. We will be able to use the robot to find and remove cancers that are not visible to the eye and also completely remove obvious cancers with good margins. The high magnification achieved by using the robot allows complete cancer removal which leads to improved survival for our cancer patients”

Precision in Patient Care: The Promise of Minimally-Invasive Surgery

Meet the surgeons embracing advanced robotic technology for shorter recovery times and enhanced patient well-being.

For surgeons like Dr. Olaleye, the transition from traditional surgery to robotics represents a profound shift towards precision. This advancement allows surgeons to operate with unparalleled accuracy within the confined spaces of the head and neck. Dr. Olaleye highlights the benefits:

“The recovery time will be shorter for patients and the side effects that most get from chemo-radiotherapy treatment like dry throat from reduced saliva, tiredness for months, struggling to swallow and voice problems would be reduced significantly. Minimally-invasive surgery is the next frontier of our patient care.”

In addition to head and neck procedures, the robot will play a pivotal role in expanding the scope of Colorectal and Upper Gastrointestinal Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS).

Honouring a Philanthropic Legacy: The Samworth Foundation Pays Tribute

Explore the Samworth Foundation’s generous grant, continuing to shape healthcare and honour the legacy of Sir David Samworth.

The Samworth Foundation’s gift stands as a testament to the late Sir David Samworth, a philanthropic visionary who passed away in August 2022 at the age of 87. His unwavering support for Leicester Hospitals Charity and his philanthropic work has already made a significant impact and will continue to provide vital care to those in need.

Nathalie Walters from the Samworth Foundation said:

“We are delighted to honour the memory of our joint founder, Sir David Samworth, with this grant. Sir David was a strong champion of Leicester and Leicestershire, and these projects will benefit many cancer patients.”

Leicester Hospitals’ Pledge to Innovative Patient Care

Two robots are poised to expand Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) options, ultimately benefiting a wider array of patients.

Currently, Leicester’s Hospitals operate one robot, primarily serving the Urology and Gynaecology Department, benefiting 350 patients annually. With the acquisition of a second robot, additional hospital departments will soon offer RAS to their patients.

Empowering Cancer Care in Leicester: The Samworth Foundation’s Generous Grant

Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said:

“We are hugely grateful to the Samworth Foundation for this generous grant – which will allow us to rapidly accelerate the improvement of cancer care for people across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

As a major cancer surgery centre and one of the most research-active NHS Trusts in the country, we understand the very real benefits this investment will bring to local people. The grant from the Samworth Foundation will undoubtedly save lives – both through the provision of leading-edge surgical techniques and much-needed research into earlier diagnosis.”

Demelza England, Head of Philanthropy at Leicester Hospitals Charity said:

“We’re so proud to be working closely with Samworth Foundation and continuing the legacy of Sir David Samworth to improve the standard of care available for our community.”

Welcome to The Sir David Robert Samworth Robotic Theatre

Explore the new epicentre of innovation and precision at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The second robot will find its home in The Sir David Robert Samworth Robotic Theatre, situated at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, ushering in a new era of healthcare excellence.