Healthcare in Central Queensland took a technological leap this week, with Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital investing in a $2 million surgical robot.

The Mako robotic system is designed to help orthopaedic surgeons with data, collected before and during surgery, including CT-based 3D planning for enhanced pre-operative planning.

The introduction of the new system at Rockhampton means patients undergoing partial or total knee replacement or total hip replacement, no longer have to travel to Brisbane for treatment.

During the procedure, the surgeon can make adjustments if required, based on insights gained using the technology, for dynamic joint balancing.

Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital CEO, Fiona Hebbard, said the innovative technology was part of the hospital’s commitment to being the orthopaedic centre of excellence for Central Queensland.

“This is a huge win for regional Queenslanders, with world-leading technology now available locally for robotic-assisted total hip replacements and total knee and partial knee replacements,” Ms Hebbard said.

Part of Australia’s largest private hospital group Ramsay Health Care, Hillcrest was conducting the first surgeries using the robotic technology this week – a full knee and a full hip replacement.

Ramsay Northern Operations Executive, Samantha Dodd, said the investment reflected Ramsay’s commitment to regional areas.

“It is exciting to provide local surgeons with world-class technology so locals do not have to travel to Brisbane hospitals,” she said.

The arrival of thenew robot adds to Hillcrest’s suite of surgical options for orthopaedic patients, ensuring Central Queenslanders have access to a range of treatments to suit their needs.

The hospital also has Hillcrest Specialist Centres in Gladstone and Emerald, giving rural patients local access to orthopaedic specialists pre-operatively and post-operatively.