Hospital seeks surgical robot

ST JOHN of God Hospital has launched a community fundraising drive to bring world-class robotic surgical technology to Bendigo.

Hospital staff have said the cutting-edge da Vinci Xi robot will improve health outcomes for patients, but will also contribute to lessening a need for local people to travel to Melbourne for surgery.

The fundraising target is $2 million, and the hospital plans to have the robot on site within six months.

Some fundraising events are also pencilled in.

Guided by surgeons, the robot enables minimally-invasive surgery. In turn, this can result in shorter hospital stays, less scarring, fewer complications and faster recovery from a procedure.

“It’s time we have world-class surgical care in Bendigo,” hospital chief executive Michael Hogan said.

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

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

When it is in use, the da Vinci Xi is expected to enhance the hospital’s capabilities for prostate, colorectal and thoracic surgery, along with gynaecological surgical procedures.

The robot can also help in a range of cancer-related surgeries including stomach, pancreatic, liver, head and neck, and lung operations.

Mr Hogan said St John of God Bendigo Hospital was committed to the best clinical outcomes for patients.

“Robotic surgery significantly aids this commitment and will assist in reducing the health care disadvantage suffered by rural and regional patients,” he said.

“Specialists and patients will be very grateful for the help of our generous community to bring this trail-blazing technology to our hospital.”

Robtic surgical assistance provides surgeons with better precision, flexibility and control during potentially life-saving operations.

It enables them to see and navigate areas that may not be visible to the naked eye when operating on crucial organs or performing cancer-related surgery.

The da Vinci Xi robot was developed in the United States by the Intuitive Surgical company.

Donations can be made online at sjogfoundation.org.au/donate-bendigo or by calling the St John of God Foundation on 1800 281 288.