Family ties bind fundraising drive

ST John of God Bendigo Hospital has set out to raise two million dollars for a da Vinci Xi surgical robot in an effort to boost its capabilities for prostate surgery, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, and renal and gynaecological procedures.

The da Vinci Xi is reported to be the most widely used multiport robotic surgery system in the world, offering advanced instrumentation, vision, and features such as fluorescence imaging and integrated table motion, plus wristed surgical instruments that can bend and rotate much better than the human hand.

Leading the push is the hospital’s director of marketing and business development Anna Hill, whose grandfather, Frank K Hill, was the gifts chairman on the Mount Alvernia Hospital (now St John of God) Building Appeal in 1968.

Her grandmother, Bon Hill, led the hospital’s fundraising efforts for 20 years.

Ms Hill, who was born at Mount Alvernia along with her two older brothers, said she’s proud of the family’s fundraising tradition and believes it a privilege to follow in the footsteps of her philanthropic grandparents.

“The da Vinci Xi is a breakthrough in surgical technology that will enable high-precision cancer surgery for patients in Bendigo and the Central Victorian region without the need to travel to Melbourne,” she said.

“Every dollar that’s donated will enable us to innovate and improve our community’s care.”

According to Anna, her grandfather’s fundraising target of $2 million more than 50 years ago would be the same as $17.6 million in current terms.

“He described the amount required from the community as ‘relatively small’ and that remains true for our current fundraiser,” Anna explained.

“The same vision to provide the best-possible medical care for our community also continues today.”

Donations can be made via the St John of God Foundation website or by calling 1800 281 288. Visit sjogfoundation.org.au.