One of Gloucestershire's leading private hospitals, Winfield Hospital, is further innovating to the benefit of its patients in 2026, with the launch of state-of-the-art technology that enables surgeons to perform joint replacements with 'exceptional precision' – using guidance from a robotic arm.
All orthopaedic hip and knee surgeons at the Winfield, part of national private hospital group Ramsay Health Care UK, will have access to the latest version of world-renowned advanced surgical technology Mako SmartRobotics, Mako 4, to help plan and perform partial and total knee replacements, and total hip replacement surgery, from September 2026.
The multi-million-pound investment is the latest commitment to introducing innovative medical technology across the Ramsay Health Care UK group, which was named Private Hospital Group of the Year at the HealthInvestor Awards in 2026.
While traditional joint replacement surgery depends on manually operated tools and a surgeon's interpretation of X-rays and clinical expertise, Mako technology adds a sophisticated layer of real-time planning and guidance. This extra support enables surgeons to work with enhanced precision, confidence, and consistency throughout the procedure.
Using a detailed 3D CT scan of the joint, the Mako system enables consultants to create a personalised plan for surgery, tailored to a patient's unique anatomy.
During surgery, real-time data supports the surgeon to make confident decisions, guiding them to remove only the damaged cartilage and bone and place implants with accuracy, by highlighting the affected areas using a robotic arm – with the non-affected areas being preserved.
The precision and consistency of the process means patients may require shorter hospital stays, fewer rehabilitation sessions, and often return to normal activities sooner, while the rates of revision are potentially lower. Many partial-knee replacement patients also report less postoperative pain.
At Winfield Hospital, patients' journey to surgery starts with an initial consultation to discuss symptoms, medical history and treatment goals, followed by a thorough assessment to determine the cause of joint pain, informed by diagnostic investigations such as X-rays and MRI scans where required.
Consultants will discuss the available treatment options with patients before recommending a personalised care plan and deciding together whether surgery is the most appropriate course of action. Patients who proceed with surgery will then attend a pre-operative assessment, where their overall health and fitness for the procedure are thoroughly reviewed.
A CT scan is performed to create a 3D model of the patient's anatomy, which allows the surgeon to develop a 'highly personalised' surgical plan, followed by the final preparations in readiness for surgery.
Following surgery, patients are supported to begin mobilising as soon as possible by the Winfield's experienced nursing and physiotherapy teams, helping them return to everyday activities with confidence.
Consultants will monitor patients' recovery through follow-up appointments, ensuring they're progressing well and achieving the best possible outcome.
Winfield patients can feel assured of the high standards of care they'll receive throughout, with the hospital holding an 'outstanding' rating on global healthcare review platform, Doctify.
For more information about Mako SmartRobotics assisted surgery at Winfield Hospital, including how to get in touch about receiving treatment, visit ramsayhealth.co.uk/hospitals/winfield-hospital/treatments/orthopaedics/mako-smart-robotics-assisted-surgery.
Alternatively, contact the private patient team direct on 01452 337257.
