Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on access to robotic surgeries in Wales, including the current availability of robotic surgical systems across Welsh health boards, and what steps the Welsh Government is taking to expand access where there is evidence of improved patient outcomes and reduced long-term complications?
Robotic assisted surgery is a type of surgical technique applicable in many different surgical specialties, and is emerging as increasingly important in surgical care. The future development of robotic surgery as part of the national approach to planned care will need to balance evidence of clinical benefit, concentration of expertise and equipment, and the impact on theatre productivity.
Three health boards can provide robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy to appropriate patients across south Wales. In addition, Betsi Cadwaladr, Cwm Taf Morgannwg, and Cardiff & Vale University Health Boards have all received tapered part-funding from the Welsh Government to test the expansion of robotic assisted surgery to other indications, such as colorectal and gynaecological cancers.