A campaign to bring Scotland’s first robotic-assisted surgery to Aberdeen has reached its fundraising target of £2.5million.
The drive has been led by urological cancer charity Ucan, which is now poised to place an order for the equipment.
It is hoped the first patients will be treated by spring 2015, with patients from NHS Highland also able to access the kit.
Fiona Pearson, Ucan’s fundraising manager, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we would like to thank everyone who has so generously supported the fundraising campaign and helped us to raise the £2.5million to make the vision of robotic surgery for the people of the north of Scotland a reality.
“Fundraising will still be ongoing however, to fund additional equipment and upgrades that will enhance the robotically-assisted surgical system, including a robotic simulator, console for training purposes and specialised training for surgeons from all of the different disciplines who will be performing robotic surgery in the future.”
The total has been reached thanks to the generosity of individual supporters, groups and businesses across the north-east, including a £400,000 grant from the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund.
Funding from the Scottish Government, announced earlier this year by the then Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Alex Neil MSP, helped organisers to achieve the target £2.5million.
Professor Sam McClinton, Ucan chairman and consultant urological surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said: “The financial commitment by the Scottish Government was a major milestone for the campaign to bring robotic surgery to the north of Scotland but we couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund and the support of the local business community and individual supporters.
“This is the very latest technology in surgery and we are delighted that Scotland’s first robotic-assisted operations will be carried out here in Aberdeen, to the benefit of people in the local area as well as further afield.”