St John of God Bendigo Hospital acquires da Vinci Xi surgical robot

27 Nov 2024

A purchase order has been made for the robot, which is expected to be available for experienced surgeons to use by mid February 2025.

St John of God Bendigo Hospital Director of Marketing and Business Development Anna Hill said together we have made history.

“We are thrilled to share the incredible success of St John of God Bendigo Hospital's fundraising campaign, which has raised well over $2.5 million within 6 months to acquire the ground-breaking da Vinci Xi surgical robot,” she said.

“This monumental effort is a testament to the power of community.

“From individuals and families, to businesses and organisations, the generosity of the Bendigo and surrounding regions has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Ms Hill said the Hazeldene family, who established and previously operated Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm, had been truly amazing in their support for the project.

“We couldn’t have reached this milestone as quickly as we did without their transformative donation, along with support from Agnico Eagle Fosterville Gold Mine and many others,” she said.

“It’s the best Christmas present for Bendigo patients to know they’ll have access to this world-class technology early next year.”

St John of God Bendigo Hospital CEO Michael Hogan said the da Vinci Xi will revolutionise health care in the region, providing patients with cutting edge, minimally invasive surgical options closer to home.

Mr Hogan said the da Vinci Xi will enhance St John of God Bendigo Hospital’s capabilities across a range of cancer-related surgeries, including prostate, stomach, pancreatic, liver, colorectal, head and neck, and lung.

“Surgical robots are the future for many medical procedures, and it can’t come a moment too soon for our patients and community,” he said.

“For too long, patients in Bendigo and surrounding areas have had to travel to Melbourne for advanced cancer surgeries.”

Urological surgeon, Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, said the da Vinci Xi enables experienced surgeons to perform complex surgery with an increased level of control compared to other methods.

Associate Professor Brennan said the da Vinci Xi is a game-changer for cancer surgeries.

“With its 10x magnification and ultra-precise instrumentation, our surgeons will be able to operate with a level of accuracy that wasn’t possible before,” she said.

“For patients, this means a dramatically reduced risk of leaving cancerous margins behind – 18 per cent less, to be exact.”

Associate Professor Brennan said the minimally invasive techniques enabled by the da Vinci Xi mean smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery times.

Mr Hogan said it is envisaged that public patients will also be able to access robotic surgical procedures through a service level agreement with Bendigo Health.

“The agreement facilitates the treatment of wait-listed public patients at St John of God Bendigo Hospital, at the discretion of both parties, and to manage demand on Bendigo Health services,” he said.

“We’re in active discussion regarding future collaboration with respect to elective robotic surgery for public patients.

“We’re also now in a terrific position to attract the best young surgeons and establish a centre of excellence in the Bendigo region to give patients excellent care.

“The da Vinci Xi will also serve as a vital tool in training the next generation of surgeons, making Bendigo a magnet for top surgical talent.

“We’re building a brighter future for health care in our region, one where the best and brightest want to come, learn and stay.”