Inside our Board’s visit to see robotic arm surgery in action
Thanks to the generosity of our local community, Toowoomba Hospital is home to the revolutionary MAKO Robot — a $2 million investment in robotic-assisted surgery that’s already transforming patient care.
Our Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Board visited the Orthopaedic team to see the MAKO Robotic Arm in action. What we saw was nothing short of inspiring — advanced technology delivering real results, and made possible entirely by donor support.
What is the MAKO Robot used for?
The Stryker MAKO Robot is a cutting-edge surgical tool that assists doctors during joint replacement procedures. It's most commonly used for:
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MAKO knee replacements
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MAKO hip replacements
This robotic technology helps surgeons plan and perform procedures with incredible precision. It ensures each movement is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy, leading to better results and faster recovery.
Robotic Arm Surgery: What Makes It Better?
During the visit, Dr. Chris Wall, Director of Orthopaedics, shared how the robot improves every stage of surgery — from pre-op planning to real-time adjustments during the operation.
"For knee replacements and hip replacements, it's going to make the position of the implants very easy, very precise, very accurate and we hope that will improve outcomes for our patients," Dr Wall Explained
Compared to traditional surgery, robotic arm surgery offers:
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Less post-op pain
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More accurate implant positioning
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Shorter hospital stays
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Quicker return to daily life
Toowoomba Hospital performs over 400 joint surgeries every year. With the MAKO Robot, these procedures are now more efficient and effective — helping patients get back on their feet sooner.
Why It Matters for Our Region
Our region is one of only a handful in Queensland with access to this kind of robotic-assisted surgical technology in a public hospital setting.
This means patients from across the Darling Downs can receive world-class orthopaedic care, without needing to travel to Brisbane or beyond. It also helps attract top surgical talent to our hospital, boosting long-term care in the public system.
Made Possible by You
The MAKO Robotic Arm is the largest equipment donation in Toowoomba Hospital Foundation’s history. And it was powered entirely by our community from:
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Coffees purchased at Wellbean Co
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Donations made by generous individuals and businesses
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Every car parked in our hospital car park
Help Fund the Next Life-Changing Innovation
By donating to Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, you’re not just giving money — you’re giving healthcare staff new equipment, giving students encouragement to become our next healthcare professionals, rooming-in cots so babies can sleep soundly right next to mum, and so much more.
Donate now and help fund the next breakthrough in regional public health.
