Cairns donors double down on surgical robot plans

Local donors have promised to double every dollar given towards Cairns Hospital's new surgical robot, with $700,000 still needed to reach the target.

Local philanthropists Ellis Richardson, who hopes to help raise $4.3 million to bring cutting-edge robotic surgical technology to Cairns Hospital, with FNQ Hospital Foundation CEO Gina Hogan.

Cairns philanthropists have pledged to match public donations dollar-for-dollar to help bring a $4.3m surgical robot to the local hospital.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s Donate for DaNi campaign has received a major boost, with all donations to be matched for the next three weeks.

The initiative, supported by local philanthropists Ellis and Denise Richardson, aims to raise $4.3 million to bring cutting-edge robotic surgical technology to Cairns Hospital.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has received a $100,000 donation from FNQ Maritime Union Australia members towards the foundation's Donate for DaNi campaign, raising funds to purchase a surgical robot for the Cairns Hospital. Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan, MUA member Bernie Gallen, foundation chairman Ken Chapman and MUA member Mike Ernst inspect the Da Vinci surgical robot. Picture: Brendan Radke

This surgical machine will enable surgeons to perform intricate procedures with precision and provide public patients with access to minimally invasive treatments, many of which have primarily been available in the private sector.

The Richardsons pledged to match public donations up to $100,000, potentially adding $200,000 to the campaign’s total.

The funds will go towards acquiring the DaNi surgical robot, which will enhance care for urology, gynaecology, and general surgery patients in the region.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is fundraising for the Donate for DaNi campaign, raising funds to purchase a surgical robot similar to this Da Vinci robot for the Cairns Hospital. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Richardson said they supported the campaign because they were passionate about access to healthcare.

Just because people live in Far North Queensland, shouldn’t mean we don’t have access to the best facilities,” he said.

The campaign has already raised over $3.6 million through community events, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.

The matched giving initiative is expected to inspire even more support from the community.

Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan said it was an extraordinary gesture of generosity.

“Ellis and Denise’s commitment shows how much we can achieve when we work together. Every dollar donated now has double the impact,” she said.

Local philanthropists Ellis RIchardson hopes to help raise $4.3 million to bring cutting-edge robotic surgical technology to Cairns Hospital. Mr Richardson pictured here with Foundation chief executive Gina Hogan.

This campaign is about bringing hope and innovation to our region.”

The DaNi surgical robot is set to reduce recovery times, minimising the need for patients to travel, and delivering advanced surgical outcomes locally.

Donations can be made at Donate for DaNi.

Originally published as Cairns donors double down on surgical robot plans