Orthopaedic team leading the way in robotic treatment 

Our Orthopaedics Department has celebrated carrying out 3,000 MAKO robotic procedures for patients across Scotland. 

The Golden Jubilee University National Hospital is home to one of the largest elective (planned care) orthopaedic centres in Europe as we continue to provide pioneering treatment to support patients waiting for hip and knee replacements. 

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Clinical Director for Orthopaedics, Fahd Mahmood, tells us: “Completing 3,000 robotic joint replacements is a significant milestone for the Golden Jubilee and a testament to the hard work of staff across all elements of the service.  

"We are now amongst the leading centres for robotic Orthopaedic surgery in Europe. Robotic procedures allow more accurate placement of surgical implants, whilst allowing the surgeon to retain control of the procedure. Ultimately, we hope this will allow to us deliver a better outcome for our patients.” 

The Orthopaedic department is part of the National Elective Services (NES) division and has a multidisciplinary approach to care with our consultants, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists all working together for one purpose – the benefit of our patients. 

Our pioneering colleagues have continued at a rapid pace to provide the highest possible standard of care as, compared to non-robotic surgery, NHS Golden Jubilee patients are benefitting from greater implant accuracy, reduced soft tissue damage and less blood loss. 

Robotic surgery has the potential to have significant long-term benefits to patients and the NHS as a whole, by reducing the likelihood of patients requiring repeat joint replacements in later life, with the aim of saving millions for NHS Scotland in future years. 

"This is a fantastic milestone for the whole multidisciplinary team. I am delighted with what has been achieved and want to congratulate everyone in their success." 

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Associate Medical Director for National Elective Services, Professor Chris Gee, said: "This is a wonderful achievement and is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of the entire multi-disciplinary team (MDT), from anaesthetists to surgeons, theatre teams to pre-op assessment, nursing to pharmacy, and all the allied support staff across the hospital.  

Deputy Clinical Director for Anaesthetics, Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Ruth Thomas tells us: “It is collaboration in the NHS at its best and it is an honour to be part of such a successful team.”