NEW ERA OF ROBOTIC SURGERY AT SUNSHINE COAST HEALTH

• A new $4 million surgical robot has been delivered to Sunshine Coast Health to support urology patients to access efficient care.
• The technology benefits patients with less pain and discomfort, faster recovery, minimal scarring, and shorter hospital stays.
• The robot can support several different surgeries and will initially be used for urology cases.
A new $4 million surgical robot has arrived on the Sunshine Coast ready to provide patients with improved outcomes.

To perform surgery with the robot, the surgeon sits down and views the surgical field through a high definition, 3D screen inside the robot's console. They then use their hands and feet to control the instruments to make delicate and precise movements to perform the operation.

The instruments on the equipment accurately mimic a surgeon’s wrist and finger movements, while the arms and camera allow stability, minimise tremors and improve the field of vision to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

Intricate surgeries that require extra fine techniques see particularly positive outcomes for patients with the Da Vinci robot including:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less pain and discomfort
• Faster recovery and return to regular activities
• Smaller incisions, resulting in less risk of infection
• Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions
• Minimal scarring

The Robotic Surgery program at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital will commence with Urological procedures later this year with the to expand to other types of surgery down the track.

The Da Vinci Robots are now in use at multiple health services throughout the state including Gold Coast Health, Metro North Health, and Metro South Health.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
“I’m thrilled for the Sunshine Coast community who will soon have access to improved outcomes thanks to this innovative technology.

“This new surgical robot is a game-changer and means patients can go home sooner and recover faster.

“It will also give our hard-working surgeons more choices when performing difficult or complex surgeries.

“The Miles Government will continue to deliver state of the art healthcare for Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:
“This is such exciting news for our community and for our hard-working health heroes.

“Our government has promised great quality healthcare, closer to home for Queenslanders, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:
“I want to thank the incredible health heroes who have worked hard to bring this awesome technology to the Sunshine Coast.

“This new robot has the potential to cut down surgical waitlists and improve patient outcomes.

“Innovative technologies are the future of healthcare and it’s great that we’re part of this revolution here on the Sunny Coast.”

Quotes attributable to Sunshine Coast Health Chief Executive Dr Peter Gillies:
“We are constantly looking to do things differently within our health service and with other health services successfully using this piece of equipment, we can see the positive improvements it’s made to surgical waitlists and importantly to outcomes for our patients.

“Our Sunshine Coast Health surgical team are looking forward to using this new equipment to support the health needs of our community, and I would like to thank the Miles government for funding this technology for our health service.”