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October 1, 2026
St John of God Geelong Hospital is the first in regional Australia to introduce the da Vinci 5 (dV5) robotic surgical system, bringing world-class care closer to home for local patients.
This next-generation technology is a significant step forward in minimally invasive keyhole surgery, providing surgeons with enhanced precision and 3D-visualisation to perform complex procedures across general surgery, gynaecology, urology and cardiothoracic surgery.
Purchased with the generous support of an anonymous donor, St John of God Geelong Hospital Chief Executive Officer Stephen Roberts said the hospital deeply valued the donor’s contribution which will help to advance patient care and clinical innovation in regional Victoria.
“The arrival of the da Vinci 5 is a significant milestone for our caregivers and patients. We’re proud to be among the first heath care providers in Victoria to introduce this advanced technology to help regional patients access world-class surgical care closer to home,” Mr Roberts said.
By enabling highly precise surgical procedures, the dV5 helps to minimise the physical impact of surgery, supporting faster recovery for patients.
The system also introduces telepresence capability, enabling surgical peers from around the world to observe procedures remotely in real time. This creates new opportunities for clinicians to collaborate and share expertise.
St John of God Geelong Hospital’s robotic surgery program was established in 2016 and has delivered more than 3,000 complex robotic-assisted procedures since its first robotic system was introduced.
“For our surgeons, the upgraded technology of the da Vinci 5 enables enhanced precision and capability to perform complex procedures, while its telepresence feature opens exciting new opportunities for real-time collaboration and mentoring with colleagues from around the world.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from our anonymous donor and St John of God Foundation in helping to bring this technology to Geelong. The investment reflects the hospital’s commitment to clinical innovation and to delivering exceptional care for the communities we serve,” he said.
Across its national not-for-profit hospital network, St John of God Health Care offers a range of advanced robotic-assisted surgeries, reflecting its ongoing commitment to clinical innovation and exceptional patient care.
St John of God Health Care is a CHA member. Learn more about the St John of God Foundation.
