Thanks to the tireless work of the Eggtober Foundation, Liverpool Hospital is now home to Australia’s only Da Vinci surgical robot, which performs gynaecological and prostate surgery.
The South West Sydney based charity, which supports treatment, research and care associated with gynaecological cancers, has donated $200,000 towards the acquisition of the state-of-the-art piece of equipment.
In return, Liverpool Hospital has recognised the foundation’s generosity and support by naming the surgical robot theatre after the Eggtober Foundation.
It will now be known as the Eggtober Foundation Theatre.
The Da Vinci surgical robot facilitates complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach.
It’s operated by the surgeon via a console, which means greater accuracy and less risk of infection because there is no contact.
The benefits are great and include a shorter stay in hospital for the patient, less recovery time and a faster return to normal life.
The robot also has dual controls and allows two surgeries to be completed simultaneously, minimising the impact on the patient. It also works as a training tool for young surgeons.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This fantastic surgical system is a huge leap forward and greatly benefits women with gynaecological cancer,’’ says Professor Felix Chan, director of gynaecological oncology at Liverpool Hospital.[/social_quote]
“This technology allows precision surgery with refined wristed instruments using a surgeon controlled high definition three-dimensional camera.
“Visualisation of complex pelvic structure has never been so easy – the surgical system enables stability in operating and minimizes surgical complication,’’ Prof Chan said.
“It also provides opportunities for training and research.”
Da Vinci surgical robot complements a surgical robotic simulator which was installed at Liverpool Hospital last year thanks to a generous donation from the wealthy Perich family.
Doctors and specialists now travel from far and wide to train and practise on this simulator.
Liverpool Hospital is also now the first public hospital in Australasia to have both the surgical system and the surgical simulator.
The Eggtober Foundation was formed and registered as a charity in 2009 by sisters Lynda Chamberlain and Catherine Potter, after they lost their mother to Ovarian Cancer.
Lynda received a similar diagnosis a short time later, and while being treated by Professor Chan she was inspired by his vision for improving medical services in South West Sydney.
“As a patient I was inspired by Professor Chan’s commitment to his patients as well as his passion and vision to improve services here in the south west,’’ Ms Chamberlain said.
“I shared his vision to give equal access to health services to women whether they live in the wealthier areas of Sydney or here in South West Sydney, be they public or private patients.
“Dream big to be big was our mantra and it has paid off,” Ms Chamberlain said.
Over the eight years that followed, the Eggtober Foundation, with the help of community groups like Rotary, organised fundraisers around South Western Sydney.
It enabled them to purchase vital pieces of equipment for Liverpool Hospital including a bladder scanner and colposcope (a surgical instrument used to examine the vagina and the cervix of the uterus).
Last week Lynda Chamberlain and Catherine Potter were recognised for their tireless work when they were finalists at the Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards for 2017 held in the City.
They had been nominated by president Christene McSeveny of the Parramatta Rotary Club.
More information about the Eggtober Foundation is available at www.eggtober.com.au
The South west is a very generous area who support good fundraising for our community’s