Wrexham Maelor Hospital using virtual reality to boost surgical training

Wrexham Maelor Hospital has been using virtual reality technology to help prepare and train its surgeons for the future.

The hospital recently held a virtual reality training event for junior surgical trainees to develop some basic laparoscopic skills and to experience the future of minimally invasive surgery.

Robotic technology has been used over the last year within the Health Board for colorectal and gynaecology cancer patients using the CMR Versius Robot.

Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Mr Steve Dixon, who is one of the surgeons using the robotic technology, said: “This cutting-edge simulation technology allows our junior surgical trainees to practice and develop their surgical skills in a safe environment that will help develop their skills for when they are in the real operating room.

“The event was really successful, lots of fun and gave them the opportunity to simulate both laparoscopic and robotic basic skills.

“We would like to thank Kate and Gareth from CMR who brought the robotic virtual reality headsets to us at Wrexham to provide them with this opportunity.”