A new surgical robot has been used in its first operation at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary – and all it needs now is a name.
The da Vinci Xi robot arrived at the hospital earlier this year, and after weeks of simulator training DGRI surgeons used it to assist in an operation last week.
The robot combines multiple precision arms and a high-definition 3D display. It allows surgeons to operate through much smaller incisions, and to work far more accurately, reducing the potential side-effects of the operation. It will now be used across several areas of surgery, including urology, colorectal, gynaecology and general surgery.
Consultant surgeon Jeyakumar Apollos said: “The Da Vinci Xi robot uses technology to enhance precision surgery, minimise complications and reduce recovery times.
“This leads to shorter hospital stays, improved patient outcomes, and greater efficiency in resource use.
“We are delighted to future-proof our surgery service and utilise the robot-assisted technology to deliver effective surgical care within budget constraints.”
By reducing recovery times, the surgical robot could also reduce pressure across the health care system. Fewer beds will be needed to care for patients recovering from surgery, meaning that more will be available for other patients.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway is now appealing to local primary schools to find the best name for the surgical robot.
Divisional Manager for Surgery Katy Jeffery said: “This is a major milestone for our surgical teams here at NHS Dumfries and Galloway to welcome the delivery of this new robot.
“We are calling on local schoolchildren to give us their ideas for names and ensure the robot is given its place within surgery.
“Primary school classes across Dumfries and Galloway are invited to get involved in the competition.
“As well as providing potential names, schools are being asked to give the reasons for their choices. The winning name will be decided by an appointed judging panel.
“Without a doubt, exciting times are ahead for the way we transform surgical care locally.”
General manager of Acute and Diagnostics Callum Ambridge said: “We’ve been on this journey for about two years, looking to secure the robot for Dumfries and Galloway. It’s about making sure that we keep in line with best practice and also move forward in terms of how we provide our services.
“This really cements us as a forward-thinking organisation. What we will look to do now is to recruit more people across all different aspects of the profession, and really push us forward as an organisation and as a surgical team.”
Every primary school in the region has been invited to submit one preferred name, and their reasons for choosing it, to dgcommunications@nhs.scot by 1 July 2026. Suggestions should be friendly and suitable for a healthcare setting. Entries will be judged anonymously by a panel of DGRI staff, and the winner announced in August.
Children from the winning school will be invited to visit DGRI to see the robot and try out the simulator which DGRI surgeons use to train for robot-assisted surgery.
A video report on the arrival of the new robot is available online at https://youtu.be/8Ao5TCUXobw