Patients in the state’s Midwest can now access robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures closer to home, with the introduction of robotic-assisted technology at St John of God Geraldton Hospital.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Lorcan McGonagle has begun using the Cori robotic system for hip and knee procedures, while his colleague and fellow orthopaedic surgeon Dr Aman Singh has commenced using the ROSA Knee System for knee surgery.
Robotic-assisted systems such as Cori and ROSA aim to support surgeons during joint replacement procedures by providing real-time data and guidance to assist in planning and positioning adjustments tailored to each patient’s individual anatomy.
Dr McGonagle said the introduction of the specialised surgical robots in Geraldton was an exciting addition to the hospital’s services that provided local access to advanced surgical technologies.
He said the availability of the robotic-assisted technology ensured patients could have surgery done locally, close to home, friends and family, which was an important element of post-operative support.
“They don’t need to travel the 400 kilometres to Perth to have the same operation, with the same implants, using the same techniques,” he added.
Dr Singh said the milestone reflected a strong commitment to regional health care.
“We are pleased to have introduced robotic-assisted surgery in the Midwest, and we are committed to ensuring that patients in regional centres like Geraldton do not miss out on access to this technology,” he said.
St John of God Geraldton Hospital Chief Executive Officer Phillip Balmer said combining advanced technology with local care reflected the hospital’s commitment to patient-centred care.
“Our focus is on providing safe, high-quality care close to home, so patients in the Midwest have access to specialist services within their local community,” he said.
“We’re really proud we have caregivers and specialists who are committed to meeting the needs of our patients and their families.”
According to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, nearly 140,000 knee and hip replacements were performed across Australia in 2024.