PATIENTS are set to benefit from groundbreaking robotic-assisted surgery at Barnsley Hospital - which will reduce pain and offer quicker recovery times - as part of a huge £2.7m investment, the Chronicle can exclusively reveal.

The new technology, which has been designed to assist surgeons during certain procedures by allowing greater precision and control, has already been rolled out to a number of patients at the Gawber Road site.

The hope is that the robot will offer benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Robotic‑assisted surgery does not replace surgeons, hospital bosses have said.

All procedures are carried out by highly trained consultant surgeons, supported by specialist theatre teams.

The robot responds entirely to the surgeon’s movements and cannot act independently.

Molly Speers, from Thurnscoe, was the first person to benefit from the new surgery technique following extensive preparation, staff training and safety checks.

Her surgery marked the start of a phased introduction that will expand gradually to additional procedures and specialities.

She said: “I felt really reassured by the team throughout my care and being able to see the robot beforehand really helped me feel comfortable and confident going into the procedure.

“All the staff were so kind and supportive and there was a real sense of excitement - not just from me, but from the team as well.

“I already use technology to help manage my diabetes, so for me this felt like a really positive step forward for healthcare and it was great to be part of it as the first patient.”

Gianina Tutoveanu, the surgeon who conducted the first robotic-assisted surgery at the hospital, said that the results from the first batch of patients have been impressive.

She added: “Introducing robotic-assisted surgery at Barnsley is incredibly exciting for our team.

“It’s a highly advanced technology that supports us to deliver even more precise care for our patients.

“Greater accuracy means less trauma during surgery, reduced blood loss and, ultimately, quicker recovery times.

“We’ve already seen really promising results.

“Patients are naturally interested in this innovative approach and it allows us to safely perform complex procedures with a high level of precision.

“In our first sessions, patients were able to go home the same day following major surgery, which is a fantastic outcome.

“It’s also a positive step forward for staff, who are developing new skills and benefiting from improved ergonomics while operating.

“Overall, the robot is another important tool that helps us do our job better and provide the highest quality care for our patients.”

The introduction of robotic‑assisted surgery at Barnsley Hospital aligns with wider NHS ambitions to expand access to modern surgical techniques, helping more patients receive high‑quality care closer to home.

Patients are only offered robotic‑assisted surgery where it is clinically suitable.

Surgeons will continue to discuss all available treatment options with patients to ensure care is tailored to individual needs.

Dr Simon Enright, medical director at the trust, added: “The introduction of robotic-assisted surgery at Barnsley Hospital marks an important step forward in how we deliver care.

“This technology supports our surgeons by providing greater precision and control during procedures, enabling us to expand access to modern surgical techniques for our patients.

“It means more people in Barnsley can receive high-quality, innovative care closer to home, without needing to travel elsewhere.

“As part of our wider programme of improvement and investment across the trust, this development reflects our commitment to continually enhancing the services we offer and improving outcomes and experience for our patients.”