A decade of heart

Ten years after performing its first open-heart surgery, St John of God Geelong Hospital is marking a decade of growth, innovation and patient-centred care. What began in 2015 as a bold regional initiative has evolved into one of Australia’s leading cardiac programs, with more than 1,500 patients now having undergone life-changing procedures.

The hospital has become a Victorian leader in robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. A significant milestone came when Associate Professor Cheng-Hon Yap performed the state’s first bilateral robotic mammary artery harvest using the Da Vinci Xi system — an achievement that highlights the program’s commitment to safer, less invasive techniques.

Over the years, the team has adopted advanced approaches such as cryoablation for reduced nerve pain, off-pump coronary surgery, keyhole valve procedures, and real-time graft-flow monitoring with the MiraQ system.

That teamwork was especially meaningful for theatre nurse Colin Hay, who became Victoria’s first patient to undergo the robotic bilateral internal mammary artery harvest. Treated in the same hospital where he has worked for 15 years, he credits the experience with restoring his health and confidence.

“I could have gone to Melbourne, but why would I?” he said.

“The expertise is right here.”

As the program celebrates its tenth anniversary, caregivers say the journey is far from over. With expanding expertise, advanced technology, and a compassionate team, St John of God Geelong Hospital is poised to continue leading cardiac care and transforming lives for decades to come.

View St John of God Geelong Hospital cardiothoracic surgeons.