SHA Robotic Surgical Program announced in Saskatchewan
Advances in robotic technology have opened the door for the expansion of robotic-assisted surgery around the world, and now Saskatchewan is joining this modern advancement. On Monday, April 4, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) - in partnership with Ministry of Health, Emmanuel Health, St. Paul’s Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, the University of Saskatchewan and donors - announced the introduction of a Robotic Surgical Program with the purchase of a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system, the Da Vinci Surgical System.
Robotic-assisted surgery systems reduce complications and shorten hospital stays for patients, creating additional hospital capacity to perform more procedures. Technology and innovation like this will play a key part in reducing the surgical backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic and ramp up surgical services offered by the SHA.
The surgical robot will be located at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon and will be used in urology, head and neck cancer, thoracic surgery and gynecological oncology procedures. It is anticipated that the first robot-assisted procedure will be performed in the fall of 2022.
Surgical robots are controlled by specially-trained surgeons during all phases of surgical procedures. The surgeon’s movements are translated through sensitive fibers of the machine with precision to perform minimally invasive surgery.
Monday’s announcement helps to strengthen commitment to the SHA’s vision, ‘Healthy People, Health Saskatchewan’. The SHA is proud of the teams that are developing this new program which will provide a new service for Saskatchewan residents.
“Acquiring this surgical robotic system will enhance our ability to provide state-of-the-art surgical service to the people of Saskatchewan. We firmly believe that patients should have access to the best surgical care here at home,” said Dr. Ivar Mendez, Provincial Head of Surgery.
As robotic technology continues to develop and the SHA acquires experience with robotic surgery, it is expected the program will expand to include other surgical specialties and surgical centers in Saskatchewan.
The cost of purchasing this robotic system is approximately $2.5 million. The Ministry of Health will contribute up to $1 million to fund the purchase and will cover annual operational expenses estimated at $160,000 in year one and increasing to almost $800,000 by year five when the system is fully implemented. St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has committed to raising over $1.5 million for the robot and the Merlis Belsher Family is donating a remarkable $1 million and providing up to an additional $100,000 as a matched gift. The robot will be named “Daryl” after Merlis Belsher’s late son.
For additional information, read the Government of Saskatchewan’s news release.
