Funding and implementation of the Versius Plus
The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow uses the Versius Plus robot for paediatric surgery following a £1.5m donation from the Coldstones Charitable Trust. This funding went to Hi Scotland, the innovation arm of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. While other paediatric patients access robotic systems in larger adult hospitals through shared facilities, Glasgow is the first hospital in the world to own a system dedicated solely to paediatric patients. The programme follows an evaluation phase where surgeons performed over 30 procedures with the robot. The first UK case involving a child using the Versius device occurred in 2024, following several surgeries involving adults.
Michael Jacovides, a consultant paediatric surgeon and the clinical lead for the robotic surgery programme, said: "Robotic assisted surgery will increasingly be part of caring for children in the future and I am excited it is already here for the children of Glasgow." He noted that the hospital works with partners nationally and internationally so these technologies become more widely used. The medical team intends to develop the service to cover more conditions and offer it to more children and babies across Scotland. He also said the hospital is proud to have established Glasgow as a leader in this field. The Coldstones Charitable Trust aims to provide financial support to different charitable organisations.
Clinical applications and surgical precision
The Versius Plus robot provides greater access during keyhole surgery and helps with operations for complex cancer, urology, abdominal, thoracic and gastrointestinal conditions, which helps patients return to their everyday lives much quicker. Doctors at the hospital say the robot gives increased precision, reduces pain, and minimises scarring. This surgical technology helps doctors perform more precise movements during complex operations.
| Robotic System | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Versius Plus |
| Funding | £1.5m donation |
| Focus | Paediatric patients |
Kirsten Watson, chief executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: "This extraordinary donation from the Coldstones Charitable Trust is enabling something genuinely pioneering for children’s healthcare." She said that purchasing the Versius Plus system helps establish a world-first dedicated paediatric programme. The hospital intends to use the system for specialized care for children requiring gastrointestinal or urological interventions. Michael Jacovides noted the robot’s presence is due to the charity, and the hospital is proud to be a leader in this field. This ensures more babies and children in the region benefit.
