Robotic surgery technology coming to two New Brunswick hospitals 

Foundation-led fundraising campaigns will secure surgical robotics technology

New Brunswick – Horizon Health Network (Horizon) and Vitalité Health Network (Vitalité) are pleased to announce a collaborative study between the two regional health authorities has clearly indicated a need for robotic surgery programs to be implemented in two of the leading health facilities in New Brunswick.

As a result, Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) and Vitalité’s  Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre (Dumont) will both be acquiring Intuitive’s da Vinci surgical robotic technology.

These acquisitions will be made possible thanks to the efforts of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and CHU Dumont Foundation, both of whom are essential partners in the care of New Brunswick patients. Their strong efforts to acquire da Vinci surgical robotics technology will ensure robotic surgery programs will be implemented in each of the two centres in the very near future.

Robotics technology improves patient outcomes, by allowing less painful, minimally invasive procedures and a faster recovery. It also plays a large role in retaining and recruiting top health care talent and will set New Brunswick on a path to attract health care staff from all over the country. This is just the beginning of the surgical robotics program for the province.

Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital

The SJRH has acquired its da Vinci system and the robotics program is up and running. The system has four robotic arms, controlled by a surgeon, and provides a high-definition, 3D view of the operating field.

This cutting-edge approach builds on the SJRH’s pioneering of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in New Brunswick. The first patient in New Brunswick to benefit from robotic-assisted surgery experienced a successful outcome and recovery.

“The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and its donors have been long-standing partners in care with Horizon,” said Margaret Melanson, Horizon’s interim President and CEO. “We are grateful for your generosity and continued commitment to improving care in your community. Thank you for investing in the future of our surgical teams.”

Vitalité’s The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre

The Dumont is set to acquire their robotics technology and begin their robotics program in early 2023, continuing to build on the surgical excellence of the province. 

“This technology will help the advancement of the robotic surgery program and, therefore, the recruitment of physicians who are seeking centres of excellence in which to build their careers. But, more importantly, the surgical robot will help provide superior quality care to patients from Greater Moncton and the entire territory of Vitalité Health Network, which aligns with our priorities as an organization. This is great news for the population,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité.

Patients, staff, and physicians all benefit from the advancements this technology will bring to the province. Together, the regional health authorities will continue to provide the quality care patients need.

– 30 –