A New Era of Surgical Innovation at St George’s
December 12, 2025
St George’s Hospital has entered an exciting new chapter in surgical innovation with the arrival of the Da Vinci Xi General Surgical Robot, the only one of its kind in the South Island. This advanced technology supports robotic-assisted surgery across gynaecology, colorectal, general, thoracic and urology specialties, expanding access to minimally invasive procedures for patients in Canterbury and beyond.
The Da Vinci Xi represents a major investment in the future of healthcare. Its precision, flexibility and enhanced visualisation allow surgeons to perform complex operations through small incisions, often resulting in less pain, faster recovery and improved outcomes for patients.
This milestone reflects St George’s ongoing commitment to delivering excellence in perioperative care, the comprehensive attention paid to patients before, during and after surgery, and ensuring the community benefits from the latest advancements in medical technology.
The first robotic-assisted surgeries were successfully completed in October 2025, marking a proud achievement for our surgical and support teams.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, expertise and collaboration of everyone involved, from our surgeons and theatre teams to the staff who supported the planning and implementation,” says Blair Roxborough, Chief Executive Officer. “The introduction of the Da Vinci Xi is a milestone for St George’s and for the entire South Island, reaffirming our commitment to delivering world-class care for our community.”
Latest news
Christchurch, Friday 3 October 2025: More than 120 guests gathered to mark a significant milestone as St George’s Eye Care celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The specialist private ophthalmic practice, based within St George’s Hospital, has become a cornerstone of expert cataract and ophthalmic treatment in Christchurch and across the South Island.
Born and raised in Canterbury, Victoria Leov began her career here as a nurse after completing her studies at Ara. Starting her clinical career in General Practice and Oncology gave her a strong foundation in patient care and a deep appreciation for the difference that skilled, compassionate teams make every day.
Every day, patients walk through St George’s doors seeking care, comfort and reassurance and the feedback they share continues to reflect the warmth and professionalism they experience from our teams.
St George’s Eye Care is now offering a cutting-edge genetic test to assess glaucoma risk, thanks to Clinical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Paul Baddeley, one of the first South Island providers to support this advancement.
We’re proud to share that St George’s Hospital has been awarded the McFedries Trophy at the 2025 Christchurch Beautifying Association Awards, recognising the entire hospital site for its outstanding gardens and beautifully maintained green spaces.
Erin Bensley (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) has always been drawn to roles that combine clinical care with systems thinking. She began her nursing career in the neurosurgery and neurology ward at Christchurch Public Hospital while completing postgraduate studies in neurosciences. Her growing interest in data and information management led her to study Nursing and Health Leadership and Management, eventually stepping into her current role as Clinical Informatics Manager at St George’s Hospital.