Surgical robot a step closer

ST John of God Hospital Bendigo has struck gold in its fundraising drive for a surgical robot, receiving a substantial donation from Agnico Eagle, operator of the Fosterville Gold Mine.

The amount of the contribution is not being disclosed, but hospital chief executive officer Michael Hogan described it as “a game changer.”

The hospital is in the midst of a campaign to raise $2 million towards the cost of a Da Vinci Xi surgical robot – technology that will allow high-precision cancer surgery to be performed locally without patients having to travel to Melbourne.

The robot enables minimally invasive surgery and provides assistance across a range of cancer-related procedures including prostate, stomach, pancreatic, liver, colorectal, head and neck, and lung operations.

Agnico Eagle’s vice-president of Australian operations Ion Hann said the contribution was provided through the Australian Community Partnership Program.

“The ambition of Agnico Eagle is to ensure the entire regional community benefits from our Fosterville Gold Mine operations,” Mr Hann said.

“This project aligns directly with our values.

“We care deeply about the provision of high-quality healthcare in central Victoria and recognise this cutting-edge surgical technology will deliver significant benefits from across the broader region.”

Mr Hogan welcomed the “substantial and generous” contribution.

“St John of God Health Care is revolutionising patient outcomes through access to the latest equipment,” he said.

“Having the right technology is not just about keeping up with the times, it’s about redefining healthcare by staying at the forefront of innovation and improving our community’s care.”

The hospital’s director of marketing and business development Anna Hill, who is leading the fundraiser, said the robot dream is closer to being realised.

“We’re confident that with additional support from the community and local businesses and organisations, we can reach the overall target of $2 million and provide enhanced surgical services,” she said.

“The Da Vinci Xi robot will enable quicker recovery times for patients, a reduced stay in our Bendigo hospital and reduced overall complications.”

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