The Palmerston North Hospital Foundation is launching a new fundraising drive for a state-of-the-art surgical robot, set to revolutionise surgery and cancer treatment across the central North Island.
Skilled surgeons from various specialities operate the surgical robot, enabling greater precision in procedures for smaller incisions, reduced complications, and faster recovery times.
Though commonly found in private healthcare, New Zealand’s public health system currently has just one surgical robot, located in Auckland.
Palmerston North Hospital Foundation Chair Brendan Duffy said this scarcity is the main driver behind the foundation’s new project.
“Everyone should have access to the benefits of these surgeries, not just those who can afford to go private. We know it’s a massive goal, and we want to meet it by the end of 2026, but we’re sure it’s possible with the support of our wider regional community.”
Palmerston North Regional Hospital’s cancer services currently serve a population of 580,000. This covers patients from Palmerston North, Manawatū, Ōtaki, and Tararua, as well as Whanganui, Wairarapa, Taranaki, and Hawke’s Bay.
“By improving surgical outcomes and reducing the time people have to spend in hospital, it helps people get back to their lives faster. All of this will have a major ripple effect on our community, especially for the hundreds of patients who travel in for healthcare.”
“It’s also becoming a benchmark for talented surgeons – by having one, we can help Palmerston North Regional Hospital attract and retain the surgical staff we need, strengthening our region’s healthcare workforce.”
Dr Alberto Ramirez, Clinical Director of Surgical Services at Palmerston North Regional Hospital, explains that surgical robots enable surgeons to carry out complex procedures with far greater precision.
“It magnifies what we’re seeing, highlights blood vessels and shows everything in a 3D view. It has no tremor, can do minuscule cuts and rotate tools 360 degrees, which human wrists can’t.”
“The surgeon completely controls the robot; it doesn’t make its own decisions. It’s a tool, but like using tweezers instead of BBQ tongs – it’s next level.”