Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are implementing contingency plans to minimize the impacts of postal service disruption.
Les ministères, sociétés d’État et organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan mettent en œuvre des plans d’urgence (en anglais) visant à réduire les répercussions de l’interruption du service des postes.
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Released on April 4, 2022
A new, state-of-the-art surgical robotic system soon to be deployed at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon will allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures. The new Da Vinci surgical system will be used in urology, head and neck cancer, thoracic surgery and gynecological oncology. It is anticipated that the first robot-assisted procedure will be performed in the fall of 2022.
“Our government supports innovations that can improve patient care and outcomes,” Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA Ken Cheveldayoff said on behalf Health Minister Paul Merriman. “This type of advanced robot-assisted surgery reduces complications and shortens hospital stays for patients compared to open surgery, creating more hospital capacity to perform more procedures. We value the contributions of donors, and we are grateful to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation and title donor Merlis Belsher for their commitment to this project.”
The robotic surgical system is a console of surgical instruments guided remotely by the surgeon. The movements of the surgeon are translated through the sensitive fibers of the machine with precision to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This robotic surgical system will be the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, and marks the introduction of a Robotic Surgical Program to the province.
“Acquiring this surgical robotic system will enhance our ability to provide state-of-the-art surgical service to the people of Saskatchewan. We firmly believe that patients should have access to the best surgical care here at home,” Saskatchewan’s provincial head of surgery Dr. Ivar Mendez said. “We want to thank Merlis Belsher and family for their visionary and transformative contribution to the Saskatchewan Surgical Robotic Program.”
“This type of equipment advances one of the key Emmanuel Health values of innovation to boldly lead the way with courage, continuously improving and advancing creative solutions,” St. Paul’s Hospital Executive Director Tracy Muggli said. “This modern technology not only supports patients with enhanced care, it will also result in quicker recovery and shorter lengths of stay in our hospital, which means more people will be able to access timely hospital care.”
The cost of purchasing this robotic system is approximately $2.5 million. The Ministry of Health will contribute up to $1 million to fund the purchase, and will cover annual operational expenses estimated at $160,000 in year one and increasing to almost $800,000 by year five when the system is fully implemented. St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has committed to raising over $1.5 million for the robot and Merlis Belsher Family is donating a remarkable $1 million and providing up to an additional $100,000 as a matched gift. The robot will be named “Daryl” after Merlis Belsher’s late son.
SPH Foundation CEO Lecina Hicke says the Belsher family’s gift will have far-reaching support in patients' health care journey.
"For as long as I have known Merlis, I have known him to be a man of great vision and humility,” Hicke said. “The Merlis Belsher Family’s support of our province’s first surgical robot is not only a remarkable gift to our hospital and its many dedicated health care providers, it is a truly meaningful gift to our community, promising better patient experiences and outcomes while supporting the growth and advancement of our surgical programs and specialties.”
Mr. Belsher says it’s important to ensure doctors have the best technology available.
“The surgical robot is a win for everybody,” Belsher said. “A less invasive surgery means a quicker recovery and less time in the hospital. It will recruit doctors who are familiar with using this machine and retain the doctors we have here. I hope others are inspired to bring more technological advances to our health care system.”
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