Preparing North Queensland clinicians for new state-of-the-art surgical robot

In preparation for the launch of Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s first surgical robot, the da Vinci XI robotic assistant, Mater Education was engaged to ensure the smooth roll-out and launch of the exciting new technology.

Professor Ajay Rane and Associate Professor Jay Iyer were the first two surgeons to complete their robotic training and to perform the first two procedures using the da Vinci XI robot. Training consisted of five hours of face-to-face training, as well as a simulated procedure prior to the launch.

The simulated experience involved the full team of nurses, surgeons, professors and anaesthetists at Mater Private Hospital Townsville who ran through a procedure and simulated the first surgery day, to ensure no foreseen issues were to arise. 

The training proved very effective in familiarising the team with the new device, with the first two surgeries using the new technology going extremely well. 

The da Vinci XI robotic assist will provide North Queenslanders with access to world-class medical care, minimising the need to travel for treatment. It enables less invasive surgery for patients as well as improved precision for surgeons. It is being used in a range of surgeries across gynaecology, urology and general surgery.

Robotics is the future of healthcare, and Mater Education are proud to utilise our experience and expertise to train and upskill our clinicians in new technology which will benefit the community.