In addition to the one at Calvary in Lenah Valley, the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) has also recently acquired a da Vinci surgical robot.
The da Vinci Xi is a highly advanced surgical robot used for minimally invasive procedures. It’s the fourth-generation system developed by Intuitive Surgical. The surgeon always remains in full control, operating the robot from a console, while the robot’s arms perform the surgery inside the patient’s body.
This is a significant development, as the LGH’s robot is the state’s first public surgical robot. This new technology is expected to benefit patients in northern Tasmania by allowing more complex procedures to be performed locally, reducing the need for patients to travel interstate for robotic surgery.
It’s worth noting that while Calvary Hospital has a da Vinci system, it is a private hospital. The introduction of the robot at LGH makes this advanced technology available to a wider range of patients through the public health system.
Media release – Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, 1 September 2025
Launceston General Hospital welcomes state-of-the-art surgical robot
The Tasmanian Health Service’s first-ever surgical robot is now on site at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), with preparations underway for it to begin providing patient procedures in the coming months.
The $4.7 million da Vinci XI Robot – the most cutting-edge technology on the market – is undertaking commissioning and credentialing processes.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said this Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmanians and enhancing clinical outcomes for patients in the North.
“This state-of-the-art technology will take LGH surgical services from strength to strength and improve access to the highest-quality care right here in the north,” Archer said.
“The robot will support surgical procedures in urology, colorectal surgery, upper GI, gynaecology and general surgery, enabling specialists to perform complex procedures with more precision, flexibility, and control than is possible with conventional techniques.
“For patients, this means better outcomes, shorter recovery times and reduced length of hospital stay, which in turn will support improved bed access, patient flow and reduced surgical waits.
“On top of that, the robot will help attract and retain key specialists and play a vital role in training and educating the next generation of surgeons.”
With today marking the start of Women’s Health Week, Minister Archer emphasised the significant role the robot will play in providing more assistance for women with endometriosis.
“Endometriosis is an insidious disease that affects one in seven women, causing severe pain and even infertility,” Archer said.
“This technology will allow more precise gynaecological surgery, providing better outcomes for Tasmanian women living with endometriosis and other pelvic conditions.
“We’re helping Tasmanians deal with the challenges they face, with compassion and commonsense, and this investment is a key part of our strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls across the state.”
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