Randolph and the robot
St Mark's commitment to continuity of care has seen it reduce its reliance on locum junior doctors by supporting the development of Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) roles in surgery.
The highly qualified nurses are responsible for pre and post-operative care of patients with various bowel diseases.
Randolph Masiglat has taken it one step further in his role as a trainee Robotic Surgery Surgical Care Practitioner where patient care takes him into theatre.
Randolph said: “Our patients undergo life-changing procedures and my job is to help them through that journey before, during and after surgery.
"ACPs are permanent appointments providing continuity as well as upholding the standards of care which are important in a specialist hospital like St Mark's.
“In theatre, I help set up and dock the robot and assist in various robotic colorectal procedures ensuring that safety and precise steps are undertaken at the bedside while the surgeons perform the robotic procedure.
"It's an interesting perspective for me as an ACP as I get to have an in-depth understanding of the surgery and take part in procedures such as closing a patient's wound once the robotic surgeon has finished their work.”
St Mark's has been using a da Vinci robot for colorectal surgery since 2018 and is close to completing its 1000th robotic procedure.
Randolph added: "I have a particular interest in enhancing care and this type of minimally invasive surgery means patients enjoy faster recovery times and can return home quicker which is good for them and the hospital.”
Randolph's initial interest in nursing was sparked by caring for a sickly family member at a young age.
“I saw the opportunity to come and work in one of the most respected bowel hospitals in the world as an honour and ensuring our patients receive the best care possible is rewarding.
"Robotics is the way forward and with two additional robots coming online at Ealing and Northwick Park hospitals several weeks ago a lot more patients can expect to benefit from it.”