Victoria Hospitals Foundation Launches $21M Fundraiser for Surgical Robots

The Victoria Hospitals Foundation has announced a significant fundraising initiative aimed at enhancing surgical care in Greater Victoria. The campaign, titled “It’s Time for a Surgical Evolution,” seeks to raise $21 million for the acquisition of advanced surgical robots, including the renowned da Vinci surgical robot. The foundation’s efforts have been bolstered by a historic $7.5 million donation, the largest in its 36-year history.

At the forefront of this initiative is the Royal Jubilee Hospital, which has already successfully integrated a da Vinci robot into its surgical operations. Dr. Jeff McCracken, the hospital’s chief urologist, has been utilizing this technology since February and reports impressive outcomes. “We brought this in with a lot to prove. We had six-month targets for early discharge and complication rates—and we met those goals in the first six weeks of the program,” he stated.

The da Vinci robot offers a transformative approach to surgery, leading to a reduction in hospital recovery times by 60 to 70 percent and a 90 percent decrease in the need for blood transfusions. Dr. McCracken emphasized the dual benefits of the technology, not only for patients but also for the hospital’s operational efficiency. “From a hospital perspective, we’re seeing a better flow-through, less cancellations, because we’re reliably having patients come and go,” he explained.

Expanding Surgical Capabilities

The goal of the $21 million campaign is not only to expand the surgical robot program at Royal Jubilee Hospital but also to equip Victoria General Hospital with its own da Vinci robot. The campaign will also facilitate the introduction of the region’s first neuro-surgery robot and over 60 pieces of innovative oncology equipment.

Avery Brohman, CEO of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign. “We are stewarding the largest gift that we’ve ever received as a foundation,” she said, emphasizing the community’s role in matching the donation. “We want to match this $7.5 million gift so that community members can join our efforts and we can get this second phase started in a really strong way.”

Dr. McCracken, who has recently been appointed as the head of robotics at both Royal Jubilee and Victoria General, is optimistic about the future of surgical care in the region. “It melts my heart to see that everything we said was true. Everything we’re trying to accomplish here as a community site that’s going to have the most comprehensive robotics program—potentially in the country—is just astonishing,” he remarked.

How to Contribute

As the campaign unfolds, community members are encouraged to contribute. Donations can be made online through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation website, in person at their office located at 1952 Bay St., or by phone at 250-519-1750.

In summary, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s ambitious fundraising campaign marks a significant step forward in enhancing surgical care through innovative technology, promising safer and more efficient surgical procedures for the community.