Robotic-assisted surgery rolled out at Limerick hospital

In January 2026, the first Versius Robotic system in Ireland was installed in St. John’s Hospital (SJH), a Model 2S hospital, in the Mid-Western Region of Ireland. This programme was made possible by the activities of the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust, and the support of the JP McManus Pro Am 2022. The Versius system was installed by M.E.D. Surgical, in conjunction with CMR Surgical.

The program was supported by the CEO of St. Johns Hospital, and the CEO and REO of the Mid-Western Region.

“We established this program with a view to expanding access to robotic surgery to more patients, more surgeons, surgical teams and more hospitals.” Prof. J Calvin Coffey

Prof. Christina Fleming performed the first Irish operation using the Versius system. The Versius program is now fully operational and has co expansion to incorporate gynecologic and urologic surgery.

The implementation of this robotic service is a major milestone in Irish Surgery. The program in St.Johns Hospital is the first to demonstrate that robotic surgery can be achieved in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner in the smaller hospital setting.

“Provision of robotic surgery in this setting generates considerable access related opportunities across multiple specialties. It enables a highly skilled surgeons and surgical teams deliver the most technologically advanced form of surgery outside the model four setting.” Prof. J Calvin Coffey