Fundraising for publicly-owned surgical robot hits $2 million milestone in less than three months
MEDIA RELEASE
Fundraising for publicly-owned surgical robot hits $2 million milestone in less than three months
Half-a-million people in the central North Island are closer to accessing high-tech robotic surgery, as fundraising for a publicly-owned surgical robot at Palmerston North Regional Hospital reaches the $2 million milestone.
The milestone, which brings the project within reach of its $2.5 million goal, was announced by the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation at an event at Caccia Birch House.The new donations include $500,000 from the Palmerston North Hospital Regional Cancer Treatment Trust, $500,000 from a private local donor, $400,000 from The Lion Foundation and $70,000 combined from the Awapuni and Palmerston North Rotary Clubs .
Foundation Chair Brendan Duffy says the progress has exceeded all expectations.
"It is an extraordinary outcome. When we launched this campaign in February, we asked our community to back something bold. What has happened since is remarkable, our initial $500,000 donation from a generous private donor which has been matched, and then some. We are now $2 million of the way to $2.5 million and we intend to finish the job."
Reflecting on the donations, Duffy says that the contribution from the Palmerston North Hospital Regional Cancer Treatment Trust shows the importance of community institutions working together.
"The donation from the Palmerston North Hospital Regional Cancer Treatment Trust is a compelling example of what's possible when organisations within a community choose to work together. Only so much can be achieved in isolation, by directing this support toward the surgical robot, they've helped unlock an outcome far greater than either of us could have delivered alone. That's how it should work."
The Lion Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Goldfinch, echoed that sentiment.
"The Lion Foundation is proud to support the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation's surgical robot campaign. This is exactly the kind of project we exist to support, one that will make a genuine and lasting difference to the health outcomes of New Zealanders.
“We acknowledge the support and contribution of our venue partners in generating this critical funding and look forward to seeing the impact this funding will have for patients and their whānau for years to come."
Palmerston North Regional Hospital Clinical Director of Surgical Services Dr Alberto Ramirez says the technology will change what's possible for patients across the region.
"Major surgery has a big impact on a patient's life and their wider whānau. This robot means smaller incisions, faster recovery, and fewer complications - it’s becoming the benchmark for so many procedures. Our region deserves access to it."
Currently, there is only one surgical robot operating within New Zealand's public health system, based in Auckland. The Foundation's goal is to have one in place at Palmerston North Regional Hospital by the end of 2026, serving a population of more than 580,000 people across the central North Island.
There are many ways to support this project, from one-off donations to community fundraising. A fundraising kit is available on the Foundation's website. For more information or to donate, visit www.pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz or email info@pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz.