Thanks to the generosity of former patient Linda Pottinger, four Theatre Scrub Practitioners are now training as robotic bedside assistants under the new Surgical First Assistant Programme.
After undergoing lifesaving surgery for bowel cancer at Watford General in 2023, Linda Pottinger raised over £13,000 by walking 33 miles in a day for West Herts Hospitals Charity, the official charity for West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Linda’s efforts, which included a personal donation to our charity, have funded the launch of a pioneering training programme developed in collaboration with Buckinghamshire New University. The Surgical First Assistant Programme equips theatre nurses to take on critical roles in operating theatres, including supporting robotic surgical procedures. Thanks to Linda, four Theatre Scrub Practitioners – Luca Daleno, Shiney George, Shilly John, and Kevin Marr – are now training as robotic bedside assistants.
The Surgical First Assistant Programme supports both professional development and surgical efficiency. The programme enables the assistants to directly assist with robotic procedures. With highly skilled assistants at the bedside, resident surgeons can spend more time at the robotic console, accelerating their hands-on experience and progression toward independent practice.
The brainchild behind the Surgical First Assistant Programme, Mr Vanash Patel (pictured above left), Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Colorectal Lead at West Herts Hospitals, highlighted the significance of Linda’s support:
“Linda’s legacy is one of compassion, vision, and lasting impact. The Surgical First Assistant programme upskills our nurses into advanced roles, enabling them to take on greater responsibilities and directly support robotic procedures. This initiative is a vital step forward, enhancing professional development, improving clinical outcomes, and ensuring the best care for our patients.”
One of the trainees, Theatre Scrub Practitioner Shilly John (above right), shared her excitement:
“I am excited to undertake this Surgical First Assistant Programme as a key step in advancing my surgical skills and playing a more integral role within the robotic surgical team. I thrive in high-pressure environments and am passionate about hands-on surgical care. This course will not only enhance my technical abilities but also strengthen my ability to contribute effectively as part of a collaborative robotic team. I see it as a fantastic opportunity for professional growth, career development, and delivering the highest standard of care to our patients.
Linda’s fundraising walk, completed last March, included visits to the hospitals involved in her care – Watford General, Mount Vernon, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans City Hospitals, and OSD Healthcare. After covering more than 550 miles while training, Linda completed the challenge in just over 10 hours, accompanied by Mr Drostan Cheetham, the lead colorectal surgeon who performed her operation, for the final stretch.
Reflecting on her journey, Linda said:
“I cannot express just how rewarding it is to know that the funds I raised through my walk are being put to such good use. By training the nurses we are investing in people, which helps progress the robotics programme at West Herts from which all patients undergoing robotically-assisted surgery will benefit. If having had cancer can ever be considered a blessing, then for me, this is it.”
