Robot arrives at hospital

BENDIGO Health has unveiled its new $700,000 da Vinci robotic surgery training console, which will be used by locally based surgeons to learn to operate the world-class da Vinci robotic technology.

This follows St John of God Bendigo Hospital’s launch in March of its multi-million dollar, fully operational da Vinci Xi unit, known for its advanced 3DHD vision and precise instrumentation.

Bendigo Health has a public in private surgery Service Level Agreement with St John of God, which enables elective public patients to have surgery at the Lily Street hospital.

To date, 12 public patients and 14 private patients have been operated on by the robot.

“It’s an enormous commitment for our surgeons and a huge training program, and having a dual console facilitates (not only the training), but also ensures patient safety,” said Bendigo Health CEO Eileen Hannagan.

“We continue to work closely with St John of God to improve healthcare for patients across our region to ensure all patients receive timely world-class care, closer to home.

“This training console in combination with the robot, strengthens our ongoing relationship …and helps develop surgical skills to grow our workforce to meet demand.”

General surgeon Dr Dongrong Situ likened the console to the surgical version of driving instructor pedals.

“The teacher surgeon and the learner surgeon work together side by side so they have the same vision in real time,” he said.

“The console can be used in surgery (or) used as a standalone training device, allowing surgeons to build their skills through completing specific programs and improve the quality of care provided to our patients.”