New technology to support women’s surgical procedures in Elgin

Published: 02/06/2025 11:03

A brand new state-of-the-art £70,000 3D laparoscopic camera has been installed at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin to help surgeons ensure the very best outcomes for women undergoing gynaecological procedures.

The specialist camera is an upgrade from the 2D camera the team used before and enables consultants to get the best possible pictures inside the surgical area, an essential part of keyhole surgery in the abdomen.

NHS Grampian Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Farha Fatima explained: “The new 3D camera means Dr Gray’s is now leading the way with cutting-edge technology to aid procedures such as hysterectomies and laparoscopies in NHS Grampian. It comes as we expand the range of services and surgical procedures we can carry out in Elgin as part of the Maternity Collaborative project, with the expertise of our fantastic, multi-disciplinary team.”

The new technology means undertaking a higher number of complex procedures at Dr Gray’s will be possible, which should mean a greater number of patients and their families can benefit from staying closer to home.

Farha added: “Having a better quality of image while operating improves safety. It means we will be able to see more patients in one day and improve the quality of care we are offering at the same time. Technological advancements like these give surgeons the confidence to work across both Elgin and Aberdeen and extend the hybrid working arrangements some of us are already enjoying which benefit both patients and staff.”

Jane Gill, Programme Director for the NHS Grampian and NHS Highland Maternity Collaborative Moray Maternity Programme, which has made funding the equipment possible, commented: “The team is Elgin is excelling as we continue to make progress on delivering improvements which will ultimately lead to our ability to support consultant-led births 24 hours 7 days a week at Dr Gray’s.

“More and more families are benefitting from having planned caesarean births in Elgin, and this new tech enables surgical colleagues to deliver ever more complex procedures here. It’s a fantastic for our broader, highly specialist, multi-disciplinary team and takes us one step closer to that full, round-the-clock consultant-led care.”

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The group photograph taken in theatres at Dr Gray’s Hospital includes (from left to right): Senior Staff Nurse Daniel Wood, Operating Department Practitioner Nhamo Daka, Consultant Dr Farha Fatima, Staff Nurse Alphonsus Ameh and Senior Staff Nurse Hazel Stockwell.
The group photograph taken in theatres at Dr Gray’s Hospital includes (from left to right): Senior Staff Nurse Daniel Wood, Operating Department Practitioner Nhamo Daka, Consultant Dr Farha Fatima, Staff Nurse Alphonsus Ameh and Senior Staff Nurse Hazel Stockwell.