Meeting Report: New Footscray Hospital Fundraising for Robotic Surgery - A Milestone in Community Partnership
Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, Australia – March 24, 2025 – A significant meeting took place at Sunshine Hospital on March 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM, marking a crucial step in the fundraising efforts for robotic surgery at the new Footscray Hospital. The meeting convened Professor Russell Harrison, Adjunct Professor Sandy Schutte, and Sharon Read from Western Health, alongside a distinguished delegation from the Vietnamese community, including Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan, Dr. Phuc Nhan Pham, Mr. Nguyen Quang Duy, and Mrs. Cuc Lam.
Western Health expressed profound gratitude for the Vietnamese community’s invaluable input and generous contributions towards the acquisition of cutting-edge robotic surgical technology for the new Footscray Hospital.
Professor Russell Harrison remarked, “The extraordinary generosity of the Vietnamese community in bolstering healthcare services in the western suburbs is truly commendable. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to delivering the highest standard of patient care, ensuring a lasting positive impact on our community. We are deeply appreciative of your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.”
In recognition of this remarkable contribution, Western Health will highlight this partnership through a comprehensive media strategy, including local press releases, social media campaigns, and prominent acknowledgment on the hospital’s website.
The campaign aims to introduce state-of-the-art robotic surgery capabilities to the new Footscray Hospital, aligning with global advancements in medical technology, where the United States stands as a leader.
Understanding Robotic Surgery:
1. Robotic surgery employs sophisticated mechanical arms, controlled by a surgeon, equipped with precision surgical instruments and a high-definition camera. This technology enables minimally invasive procedures, reducing the need for large incisions and allowing for enhanced precision, flexibility, and control. Surgeons benefit from a magnified, high-resolution 3D view of the surgical site.
2. This technology is particularly advantageous in complex, high-risk cases, minimizing operational risks and facilitating faster patient recovery. Smaller incisions translate to reduced post-operative pain, decreased reliance on pain medication, fewer side effects, and shorter hospital stays, resulting in significant cost savings.
3. Common robot-assisted surgical procedures include epilepsy surgery, gallbladder removal, gastric bypass, hernia repair, hysterectomy, mitral valve repair, pancreatectomy, spine surgery, urological procedures, and orthopedic surgeries, among others.
Professor Russell Harrison further stated, “We eagerly anticipate the implementation of the robotic surgery program at the new Footscray Hospital, made possible by the $4 million funding from the State Government, including the pivotal $580,000 contribution from the Vietnamese community.”
Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan responded, “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and celebrating the inauguration of the new Footscray Hospital, where the names of our esteemed supporters will be prominently displayed. We also anticipate the opportunity to admire the unique Frog statue within the hospital’s landscaped grounds.”
The meeting concluded with expressions of warm camaraderie and the capturing of commemorative photographs, symbolizing the strong partnership between Western Health and the Vietnamese community.
Kind regards
Doctor Phuc Nhan Pham
