Advanced technology will expand access to leading edge surgical care, close to home
Southlake Health has successfully introduced the Da Vinci Surgical System, becoming the first hospital in York Region to offer robotic-assisted surgery using this advanced technology. The launch is one more way Southlake is delivering leading edge care closer to home and expanding access to world-class treatment options to patients in northern York Region, southern Simcoe County, and beyond.
The Da Vinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic-assisted platform that supports surgeons during select minimally invasive procedures. Fully controlled by the surgeon, the system translates hand movements into precise, real-time movements of robotic instruments while providing a high-definition, magnified view of the surgical site. By enhancing visualization, precision, and control, the technology expands surgical capabilities and supports increasingly complex procedures through minimally invasive techniques. For patients, the addition of this technology provides access to one of the most advanced surgical platforms available today.
The system is currently being used in Urology and General Surgery at Southlake, with plans to expand to additional surgical specialties, including Cardiac Surgery, through a phased implementation approach over time.
“The introduction of the first Da Vinci Surgical System in York Region is a significant advancement for surgical care in our region,” said John Randle, MD, Chief of Surgery and Physician Leader, Surgical and Perioperative Services Program, Southlake Health. “This technology expands our capabilities, so we can continue to provide patients with leading edge surgical care, close to home. It also strengthens our ability to attract and retain top surgical talent, ensuring patients continue to benefit from the latest advancements in care.”
The introduction of Da Vinci builds on Southlake’s growing robotics journey, which began last fall when Southlake successfully implemented the ROSA Knee System to offer robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. Today, Southlake is the only hospital in York Region to offer robotic-assisted surgeries using both Da Vinci and ROSA. Together, these technologies represent another step forward in Southlake’s commitment to expanding the use of advanced technologies to strengthen patient experiences and care.
Behind the launch was a carefully planned implementation process involving months of training, simulation, workflow development, and preparation across multiple teams. Approximately 50 team members from across Southlake, including surgeons, nurses, perioperative teams, medical device reprocessing staff, and operational leaders, worked together to ensure the technology could be introduced safely while maintaining the high standards of care patients expect at Southlake.
“Bringing new technology of this scale into practice requires extraordinary collaboration across multiple teams,” said Erin Landry, Director, Surgical and Perioperative Services Program, Southlake Health. “From education and simulation to workflow planning and implementation, countless staff and medical staff contributed to making this launch a success. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished and excited about the future of robotic-assisted surgery at Southlake.”
The introduction of the Da Vinci Surgical System is made possible through the philanthropic support of generous community donors who continue to invest in the future of care at Southlake.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our communities, Southlake has been able to bring this transformative technology to patients close to home,” said Jennifer Ritter, President and CEO, Southlake Health Foundation. “Innovation like this doesn’t stop at acquisition. Inspiring community investment continues in order to enable Southlake to sustain and grow these programs in their early years. We are deeply grateful to our donors, and we invite others to join them in supporting our surgical teams in delivering this leading edge care. Together, we can secure lasting access to this game-changing technology for the patients who need it most.”
The Da Vinci Surgical System is one of several investments supporting Southlake’s vision to build a Distributed Health Network and expand access to specialized, high-quality care for the growing communities it serves.
Quote from the care teams
“Introducing a new surgical platform requires much more than installing technology. This was a carefully coordinated effort involving clinical, operational and support teams from across the organization. The success of the launch reflects Southlake’s commitment to thoughtful planning, rigorous training and, above all, patient safety.”
- Liz Lalingo, Director, Department of Cardiac Health
“The launch of the Da Vinci Surgical System is the result of months of planning, training and collaboration across many teams at Southlake. This achievement reflects the dedication of many people across Southlake, from hospital leadership, nurses, and support staff to Southlake Foundation and generous donors. Most importantly, we thank our patients for placing their trust in us. We are excited to offer this technology to the communities we serve.”
- John Preiner, MD, Urologist, Southlake Health, who successfully performed the first procedure using the Da Vinci Surgical System
“The Da Vinci Surgical System represents an important step forward in the evolution of surgical care at Southlake. Robotic-assisted technology is becoming an increasingly important part of surgical practice around the world. By investing in these capabilities today, Southlake is positioning itself to expand access to advanced procedures and support the future of surgical care for the communities we serve.”
- Moby Rehman, MD, Cardiac Surgeon, Southlake Health
