Unveiling the Advanced Robotics Theatre at North Tees Hospital

The new £4.3 million robotic and emergency maternity surgical theatre for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trusts is one of the most ambitious estates projects in the hospital’s history.

Constructed entirely at first-floor level, above an existing courtyard and the paediatrics department, the extension is supported by permanent columns from the ground floor. See more from the construction period.

It now houses an advanced robotic surgical and training suite, home to the trust’s Da Vinci robot, affectionately named ‘Robbie’ by a patient, as well as a dedicated emergency maternity surgery theatre located adjacent to the delivery suite.

Previously operating from a cramped, adapted theatre, Robbie and the team now benefit from a purpose-built environment with specialist technical support. The robot is controlled remotely by surgeons and was first used on 28 July 2022. Since then, it has been used a further 479 times, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of complex procedures.

Stacey Hunter, Group Chief Executive, said:

“The new operating theatres will benefit hundreds of patients for years to come. Robotic surgery is the future. It’s often much quicker and less intrusive for patients, resulting in reduced post-surgery length of stay. The new emergency maternity theatre is right next to the delivery suite. Any woman needing urgent surgery during labour will now be able to get that surgery instantly.”

This development marks a major step forward in surgical capability and patient care provision for Teesside, and the opening ceremony last month was a fantastic way to celebrate the hard work of many different teams coming together.

Project Lead Chris Smith and Director Derek Shepherd couldn’t resist the opportunity to test out the robot in its training mode: an exercise where virtual hoops are moved from one receptacle to another. As user-friendly as the equipment was, it’s fair to say neither will be practicing on a human any time soon!