Pictured: Celebrating another centenary milestone – 100 robotic surgeries at Braemar Hospital. From left to right: Leigh Singers, Jonathan Cheng, Sonia George, Pru Sheahan, Simione Lolohea, Fiona Michel, Kate Wilson and Aileen McGowan
Braemar Hospital reached a proud milestone recently, completing its 100th robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi surgical robot, the first of its kind in the Waikato.
The achievement comes less than a year after the robot performed its first case in October 2025, reflecting the rapid growth and success of Braemar’s robotic surgery programme.
Since then, patients across general, urological and gynaecological surgery have benefited from the technology, experiencing smaller incisions, faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays, compared with traditional open surgery.
The milestone lands in a significant year for Braemar Hospital, which is celebrating its centenary. Reaching 100 robotic cases in the same year is a symbol of the hospital’s ongoing legacy of clinical innovation.
Pru Sheahan, Braemar’s General Manager Clinical Services says: “Reaching this milestone in our centenary year demonstrates Braemar’s 100-year legacy of innovation and care, and it give us a look into what’s ahead for the next 100 years.”
The programme’s success is credited to the dedication of Braemar’s credentialed surgeons and the wider theatre, and nursing teams who have trained and grown alongside the technology.
“One thing that stands out is the excitement and passion from all of the team around embracing robotic surgery,” says Pru. “There are 11 hospitals in New Zealand with 12 da Vinci robots in total – robotic surgery is the way of the future.”
Waikato general surgeon Simione Lolohea performed the milestone 100th robotic surgery and says the programme at Braemar is great. He says robotic surgery is at every medical conference he goes to, and it is wonderful that Braemar have invested in the future.
In their own words — our surgeons on the robotic programme:
- John Leyland, Urologist: “I have been amazed how quickly patients recover after robotic prostatectomy compared to an open procedure.”
- Tarek Saleh, Gynaecologist: “Being part of the robotic surgery programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Having now successfully completed nine robotic hysterectomies, I have seen first-hand the benefits that robotic surgery can bring to gynaecological patients.”
- Braemar Hospital is 100% owned by the Braemar Charitable Trust which works to improve healthcare access in the community: “As a surgeon I love the precision and elegance robotic surgery allows. For patients the quicker recovery time is definitely a highlight to see.”
- Jasen Ly, General Surgeon: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the robotic programme. The implementation and the team’s enthusiasm have been fantastic. Patients have responded well, and I’m confident outcomes will keep improving as its use grows.”
Braemar Hospital is 100% owned by the Braemar Charitable Trust which works to improve healthcare access in the community.
