Southern Cross Healthcare rolls out new orthopaedic robots nationwide

Southern Cross Healthcare is making a landmark commitment to robotics technology, introducing seven new orthopaedic robots for use across its hospital network nationwide.

The robots are being installed in April at Southern Cross’ hospitals in Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Invercargill, and at Brightside and North Harbour hospitals in Auckland, representing a major step forward in its healthcare technology right around the country.

Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart said bringing in robotics to assist surgeons performing knee surgery is the latest step in the business’ goals to offer innovative treatment plans to support excellent care for patients.

“Southern Cross Healthcare hospitals have excellent surgical facilities and we’re always looking to further innovate healthcare services across our network,” he said.

“Our hospitals are committed to providing people with the excellent care they deserve and we know these robotics will provide appropriately-trained specialists with increased options to deliver relief for knee surgery patients.”

Stewart said Southern Cross Healthcare will continue to work with its specialists to develop other new surgical methods.

“This introduction of seven orthopaedic robots won’t be our last foray into robotics, and we’re looking forward to expanding their use in New Zealand’s healthcare sector.”

The role of the robotic assistant is to provide surgeons with real-time information to make sure the joint is precisely placed, based on the patient’s anatomy.

Mr Matt Walker, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Shakespeare Orthopaedic Institute has been working with the robotic assisted surgery at Southern Cross’ North Harbour hospital, and said the adoption of this new technology can help surgeons create better outcomes for patients.

“Robotic assistance is the natural next step forward in knee joint replacement, allowing for a greater level of precision in cutting bone and placing implants, and reducing the soft tissue trauma at the time of the procedure”, said Walker. “All of these improvements to our processes open up great potential for improved recovery times for our patients.”

Southern Cross Healthcare is New Zealand’s largest independent healthcare network, made up of wholly-owned and joint venture hospitals, specialist centres, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and employer health and wellness providers.