Faster recovery times on the horizon as Cairns Hospital nears robotic surgery for public patients
Cairns residents can look forward to a future of faster recovery times and more precise surgical procedures, as a major fundraiser gathered almost $1m towards revolutionary health infrastructure.
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Cairns residents can look forward to a future of faster recovery times and more precise surgical procedures, as a major fundraiser gathered almost $1m towards revolutionary health infrastructure.
Generous donors poured in $839,000 at Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s fundraiser on Saturday, bringing the region closer to acquiring “DaNi,” a state-of-the-art surgical robot.
Since May last year, the foundation has raised over $3.5m, leaving less than $1m for its target of $4.3m for the robot, which would help Cairns Hospital become the first public facility outside south-east Queensland to house this cutting-edge technology.
This surgical machine will enable surgeons to perform intricate procedures with “unprecedented precision” and provide public patients with access to minimally invasive treatments, many of which have primarily been available in the private sector.
Hospital foundation chairman Dr Ken Chapman said the $4.6 million robot represents a significant advancement in healthcare for the region.
“DaNi allows very intricate and complex surgery deep down in the pelvis and other hard-to-reach areas,” he said.
“This means fewer side effects for patients, quicker recovery times, and earlier discharge from hospital.”
Saturday’s event featured an exquisite tasting menu crafted by acclaimed Nu Nu Restaurant, and a dazzling performance by predominantly local medicos - The Marias.
Among the larger donations were Kenfrost Homes, which donated a staggering $500,000, the Chapman Foundation which donated $50,000 and the Maritime Union of Australia donated $100,000.
Dr Chapman said the donation represented a great result for the community.
“The MUA have for years and years tucked away and invested for the benefit of the community and...that’s now coming home to roost,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic effort, we really appreciate their community mindedness and this will make a big difference.”
FNQ Maritime Union Australia member Bernie Gallen said the donation reflected the union’s commitment to supporting vital community services.
“Many of our members and their families rely on the public health system, so ensuring equal access to cutting-edge medical technology like DaNi is something we’re passionate about.
While the robotic “arms” move extensively outside the patient, inside they make only minimal movements, enabling an extremely delicate procedure.
Use of the robot also has the ability to also attract and retain top surgical talent to the Far North.
Dr Chapman said DaNi will ensure areas like Cairns stay relevant and continue to attract the very best clinicians to our region.
“They don’t want to practise in locations without this equipment.”
The FNQ Hospital Foundation hope to have DaNi operational by next year.
The robot will be utilised across multiple surgical specialties, including prostate surgery and hernia repair.
For more information about the Donate for DaNi campaign and how you can make a tax deductible donation please visit www.fnqhf.org.au.
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Originally published as Faster recovery times on the horizon as Cairns Hospital nears robotic surgery for public patients
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