Local Radiothon Generates $500K for Surrey Hospitals Robotics Program

A recent radiothon organized by RED FM successfully raised over $500,000 for the Surrey Hospitals Foundation to support its surgical robotics campaign. The event took place on November 5, 2023, broadcasting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and aimed to gather funds specifically for the acquisition of the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

The funds raised during the RED FM Gurpurab radiothon will directly contribute to launching a regional robotic surgery program at Surrey Memorial Hospital. This initiative is particularly significant as the hospital is recognized as the busiest surgical site within the Fraser Health region, performing over 21,000 surgeries annually, with approximately 60 percent of these surgeries being cancer-related.

Dr. Ahmad Ashrafi, the regional division head and chief of thoracic surgery for Fraser Health, emphasized the impact of this technology on patient care. “With the integration of the da Vinci Surgical System, our team at Surrey Memorial Hospital will be empowered to maintain the leadership we have shown in the field of advanced minimally invasive thoracic and foregut surgery,” he stated. Dr. Ashrafi underscored the importance of embracing cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional care to the growing community.

The da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System is touted as the most advanced robotic technology currently available, enhancing precision in surgical procedures. With this development, Surrey Memorial Hospital will become the first facility south of the Fraser River and the fourth hospital in British Columbia to introduce robotic-assisted surgeries.

The campaign’s launch at the 2025 Celebration of Care Gala was a pivotal moment for the community, where leaders raised $1.4 million in a single evening, supported by a significant leadership gift from the Ritchie Family. Nicole Robson, president and CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation, expressed gratitude for the community’s support: “Thanks to the generosity of RED FM listeners, we are even closer to our $5.5 million goal to bring the da Vinci Xi to Surrey Memorial Hospital.”

For those interested in contributing to this vital cause, further details can be found on the Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s website. The success of this radiothon reflects a strong commitment from the community to advance healthcare services and improve surgical outcomes for patients in the region.