Blackpool Victoria Hospital celebrates 90th anniversary of 1st patient as new cutting-edge robot unveiled

Blackpool Victoria Hospital is celebrating 90 years since it treated its first official patient, with the recent unveiling of a new state-of-the-art surgical robot aptly demonstrating the mind-blowing medical advancements seen at the Vic over the decades.

The hospital marked the special anniversary of the first patient arriving at their Whinney Heys Road location back in 1936 with a celebratory lunch in the hospital restaurant, while the estates team also created a special floral display outside the main entrance.

Previously known as Blackpool Infirmary when it was based on Whitegate Drive, the hospital was given the name Blackpool Victoria Hospital with Queen Victoria’s consent in 1898. Work on a replacement hospital began in 1932, with Lord Derby laying the foundation stone for the new building in 1933. The first patient was officially admitted on September 29, 1936.

Since then, the Trust has marked a series of significant milestones, including the launch of the NHS in 1948, the opening of a maternity unit in 1975, Clifton Hospital opening in 1988 and being awarded teaching hospitals status in 2010.

Andrew Harrison, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the Trust said: "As we mark 90 years since the first patient was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on this site, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the generations of patients, staff, volunteers and supporters who have shaped our hospital's history.

“Since that first admission in 1936, healthcare has changed beyond recognition. From the creation of the NHS to the introduction of pioneering technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery, Blackpool Victoria Hospital has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our communities.

"While we are proud of our rich heritage, this anniversary is also about looking to the future. The same commitment to providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care that welcomed our first patient 90 years ago continues to guide us today.

“On behalf of everyone at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, I would like to thank our colleagues, past and present, and the communities we serve for their continued support as we build on that legacy for future generations."

The latest chapter in the hospital’s history has also recently been marked with the unveiling of a new da Vinci 5 surgical system, highlighting the mind-blowing advances in surgery available to 21st century patients.

The da Vinci 5 system has been designed to help surgeons provide minimally-invasive surgery to as many patients as possible. It incorporates more than 150 design innovations and 10,000 times the computing power of previous models, alongside advanced data analytics, real-time collaboration, and tools designed to support personalised surgeon learning.

Among its features is Force Feedback technology, which allows surgeons to sense the push and pull at the tip of an instrument, enabling surgeons to deliver up to 43 per cent less force on tissue using the technology. The system also provides a highly-realistic 3D image with improved colour and resolution.

Ali Zamir Khan, a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, said: “The robot is is an amazing tool. It allows you to get into the chest and allows you to move your hands 360 degrees with seven degree freedom of the wrist. So if you look at the human wrist, it stops here, but the robot can go 360 degrees around.

“Thereby, the dissection is pin perfect. It's really perfect, and that saves the patient having injuries to the internal organs. In addition to that, the visualization is very high definition. We see everything 10 times magnified. So major structures within the chest, abdomen, and the pelvis get magnified, and surgery becomes very accurate down to the last millimeter.

“Hence, the outcomes for patients are much better. The pain is much less with robotics, and the cosmetic outcomes with small scars are much better for the patients. Our patients are up and about on day one.

“We get rid of the chest strains as soon as the lung expands, and same thing with the abdomen, and they are ready to go home around three or four days after surgery, which is a very big benefit for the patient.”

For patient Gwen Easton, the technology has made a significant difference to her experience of treatment after she was diagnosed with a tumour. “I was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the 4th of August, which was a Tuesday, for surgery on a cancerous tumor in my left lung,” she said. “I found out about the diagnosis about a month previously.

“It came as a big shock to me, so I did a stupid thing,” Gwen added. “I Googled lung surgery and found out that I was likely to be in hospital for eight days or so, and the recovery period would be about three months. Then I found out from Mr. Khan that I would be suitable for robotic surgery.

“I went in on a Tuesday [and] I was home at my dining room table on Friday, so I was in for just three days. A fortnight later, I'd gone back to doing Pilates. A day after getting home, I was out walking the dog for an hour, and life had got back to normal within literally a week or two. It was just amazing.

“How do you say thank you? How do you say thank you for such a massive opportunity? I just can't say.... I haven't got the words, I just don't have the words. They were amazing, absolutely amazing."