Kingsbridge Healthcare Group (KHG) has signed off on another technology investment “first” at its north west hospital in Ballykelly.
It has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art MAKO robotic-arm surgical system that will allow orthopaedic surgeons to perform joint replacements with even greater precision and accuracy.
And as the only hospital in Northern Ireland offering such a pioneering device, KHG believes the latest development reinforces its commitment to providing new services, expertise, innovation, and technology in the region’s healthcare arena.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital’s north west general manager Anthony McKenna says the new assisted surgical system will benefit both patients and surgeons.
“The MAKO robotic-arm surgical system allows consultants to plot every step of the procedure in advance using CT imaging and 3D technology to plan and visualise the positioning of the implant before surgery, ensuring predictable and consistently successful outcomes.”
He added: “Software within the device creates an individualised pre-operation plan that facilitates less dissection, minimising trauma to soft tissue surrounding the joint resulting in a quicker recovery, less pain and shorter hospital stays for patients.
“The combination of the consultant’s expertise alongside the precision of technological assistance also means that replacement joints can not only feel more ‘natural’ but will also last longer.”
Specialised training has been completed in both Belfast and Luxembourg with a team of consultant orthopaedic surgeons led by Mr Graham Bailie, along with Mr Andrew James and Mr Danny McCaffrey, organised by Kingsbridge Training Academy in conjunction with leading medical technology company Stryker, manufacturers of the MAKO system.
Sarah Marks, chief operating officer at KHG, said “We’re excited to begin robotic surgery and finish a four-year journey to bring this service to people in Northern Ireland.
“The delivery of the MAKO robot cements further our close relationship with Stryker, who have been our long-standing partners in our orthopaedic growth journey.”
While scans and consultations can be arranged in Belfast as well as Ballykelly, all surgery with the new robotic arm will be undertaken at Kingsbridge Private Hospital North West.
David Doyle, group supply chain manager, said: “Kingsbridge are always keen to keep improving the services we provide to patients, constantly looking at innovative ways to improve the patient pathway and clinical outcome.
“Building on a strong relationship with Stryker, it was a natural next step - one of hopefully many to improve healthcare in Northern Ireland.”
Patients can find out more about the new service at a series of public information sessions hosted by Kingsbridge in January at locations in Belfast, Ballymena, Craigavon, Omagh and Derry (details at www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com/info-events).