NSW Budget Includes $9.9 Million for Robotic Surgery

Topic: Budget

Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at 7:29 am

Surgeons in Orange reported delays in cancer surgeries in 2025.

In short:

The NSW budget includes $9.9 million for robotic surgery in Orange. This will help patients in western NSW.

Surgeons have been asking for this equipment to do certain operations in the region.

What's next?

The project should be finished by 2028.

Doctors who spoke out have won their campaign to give patients the best care.

The NSW government has announced $9.9 million for robotic surgical equipment. $2.7 million will be spent in the next financial year.

The budget papers say the project will be finished in 2028.

The head of cancer services at Orange Health Service welcomes the announcement.

A robot is not new or experimental, it's standard equipment for cancer care.

A surgical robot is now common in Australian hospitals.

Regional cancer patients won't have to travel to Sydney for treatment.

A surgical robot means patients can get the best surgery without leaving home.

Whistleblowers get results

Rob Knox and his colleagues asked for robotic surgical equipment in western NSW.

The budget money comes 13 months after doctors raised concerns about healthcare in the region.

The hospital's director of surgery and head of urology said doctors were asked to change cancer surgery classifications.

The Western NSW Local Health District denied the claims, but NSW Health reviewed the classifications.

The doctors also said the health district didn't support their call for robotic surgery.

The health district later said they were rethinking the viability of the equipment.

Dr Knox said the budget announcement shows doctors' efforts paid off.

Dr Knox is excited to see the government investing in the region's clinical workforce.

Dr Whelan said the surgical robot is vital for the future.

Until now, patients needed to travel to Sydney for complex urological procedures.

This meant extra travel time, cost, and time away from family and work.

Surgeons at Orange say robotic surgery is needed for the best patient care.

With a surgical robot, patients in Western NSW can get minimally invasive surgery.

Robotic surgery results in smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery times.

Robotic surgery in Western NSW secures the future of urology.

Mr Park promised robotic surgery would be available in Orange in August 2025.

The NSW government wants to improve access to surgical care closer to home.

Orange clinicians used a surgical robot at a Sydney hospital.

The independent Member for Orange, Phil Donato, described the funding as a landmark achievement.

This is a game-changing investment for the region and healthcare in country NSW.

The investment strengthens the healthcare system and supports surgeons.

Dr Knox said the years of lobbying have paid off.

Dr Knox is grateful to the Health Minister and local MP for their support.

Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at 7:29 am

Promotion