Braemar Hospital

22/09/2025

🚀 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Our Braemar Hospital surgical robotic team is in full swing with training. Everyone’s getting ready for the milestone of our first da Vinci procedure in the Waikato in October.

Simulation training in the theatre environment is an essential part of training. The “dry run” simulations held recently saw our staff demonstrate the Braemar Way with focus and a passion to embrace a new era of surgery and patient care.

Every step of this journey has been carefully planned: ✅ Robot installed and tested ✅ Surgeons trained and credentialed ✅ Staff prepared and protocols established ✅ Patient safety measures verified.

The future of surgery in the Waikato is almost here. We're proud to be leading this transformation in healthcare technology in our region.

18/09/2025

A smile goes a long way 😁 and so does the generosity of our people who support the great work of the Braemar Charitable Trust. Read this - it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 😀🥰😇🥹

"This will change my life."

That was the feedback from a patient who received a free procedure as part of our recent community surgery day.

We had 32 eligible patients head along to Braemar Hospital on Saturday to receive a range of procedures, including gynaecological, dental, and paediatric and adult general surgery - all as part of our goal to increase access to healthcare for those who need it most.

The success of the day is all down to the surgeons, anaesthetists, Braemar Hospital staff and other volunteers who support us on the day.

Read all about it here: https://www.braemartrust.co.nz/blog/post/152449/changing-lives-for-the-second-year-in-a-row/

14/09/2025

So much love and care shared on Saturday with patients, whanāu and staff at the Community Surgery Day at Braemar Hospital. Great work in bringing this together Braemar Charitable Trust and all of your supporters. 💙❤️

One of our lovely theatre teams prepping for a big day ahead as we get ready to welcome patients for our third Community Surgery Day.

Community Surgery Days are the flagship programme of Braemar Charitable Trust where we provide free surgery to patients who have been declined or are facing a lengthy wait time or don’t have the financial means to pay for private care.

A very big thank you to all of our amazing volunteers for joining us today. We couldn’t do it without you!

12/09/2025

The Braemar Way is proudly making its way into the newly established New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine.

Our Braemar Hosptial chief executive Fiona Michel, recently appointed to the University of Waikato Council, has been named as Chair of the expert advisory board to guide the establishment of the University of Waikato’s New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine.

The Medical Advisory Board includes leaders with diverse knowledge and experience from across the country’s health sector. 👉https://www.waikato.ac.nz/news-events/news/medical-advisory-board/

And Braemar cardiothoracic surgeon David McCormack has been appointed Professor of Health and Interim Dean of Medicine at the University of Waikato. He will be taking on a key leadership role within the newly established school, which is scheduled to open in 2028. 👏https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360798333/heart-doctor-who-now-unis-med-school-boss

It’s great to see Braemar staff playing a key role in helping address the country’s workforce shortages in primary care and rural communities, along with building on vital connections through the many stakeholders which support the medical school. Well done. ❤️‍🩹

03/09/2025

Pain free and a happy boy - thanks Braemar Charitable Trust. We're all here to help make lives better.

Anthony de Winton is a changed boy – his language has improved, he’s pain free, and he’s much happier following free ENT surgery from Braemar Charitable Trust. Anthony, who is nearly two and a ha

21/08/2025

Our amazing staff got up close with our da Vinci robot this week! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

Braemar Hospital staff from all areas and departments got hands-on experience with our new surgical robot – the da Vinci!

Thanks Jonathan Cheng, from Device Technology, for running the demonstrations to get staff up close and personal with the robot and experiencing its precision control (albeit cutting and peeling cherry tomatoes!)

Did you know surgeons control the robot from a special console, using hand movements that are translated into precise movements of tiny surgical instruments? The 3D camera gives them a magnified view that's clearer than the human eye can see!

It's incredible technology in the hands of our skilled surgical teams.

Intensive training for surgeons and the support team is under way, with the first surgical robot cases due to occur next month at Braemar.

It’s the only surgical robot in the Waikato and it now resides permanently in Braemar Hospital’s theatres.

08/08/2025

Right now, our selected surgeons are getting intensive da Vinci surgical robot training at Braemar! 🤖

This isn't just a quick course - it's comprehensive training covering everything from basic operation to advanced techniques. Our commitment to excellence means ensuring our team is fully prepared before performing any procedures.

Quality training = quality outcomes for our patients. 🏥

Meet Dr Tarek Saleh, our experienced gynaecological surgeon, with a passion for advancing women’s health. He is pioneering the future of robotic surgery in the Waikato region as he currently undergoes his training at Braemar Hospital. His vision is for robotic surgery to become his “new norm.”
Read his inspiring story👉https://www.braemarhospital.co.nz/pioneering-the-future-dr-tarek-saleh-leads-robotic-surgery-revolution-at-braemar/

30/07/2025

It's a day that changes lives. 💙 Get in behind supporting the next Community Surgery Day 🩺set for September at Braemar Hospital.

🎉 It’s back! The annual Braemar Charitable Trust Community Surgery Day returns this September. 🏥💛
Last year, we helped over 70 people receive free surgeries and procedures — thanks to incredible community support.
Help us help others by supporting our work through a donation 💙
👉 https://www.braemartrust.co.nz/shop/

24/07/2025

We know cost is an important consideration when planning surgery. 💬

A common question is: "Will my insurance cover robotic procedures?"

Health insurance coverage for robotic procedures varies, so we recommend:

🤖Speaking with your insurer about your specific policy

🤖Discussing all options with your specialist

🤖Contacting our team for support with insurance queries

Our specialists in general, urological and gynaecological surgery are currently mastering innovative technology with our da Vinci Xi surgical robot at Braemar Hospital – the first of its kind in the Waikato region.

We're here to help you understand your choices every step of the way.

https://www.braemarhospital.co.nz/braemar-hospital-surges-ahead-with-surgical-robot/

24/07/2025

🥬🥕 Winter vegetables are truly nature's gift to us during the colder months! Packed with vitamins, minerals, and that hearty goodness our bodies crave, they're the perfect fuel to keep us healthy and energised.

Speaking of winter goodness, we're excited to share that Brendon Rose's latest winter crop is absolutely thriving! Tucked behind Braemar Hospital, Brendon has been lovingly tending our kitchen garden for two years now, and his dedication is really paying off. From fresh herbs to vibrant winter veggies, his "happy place" continues to provide wholesome, organic produce for the Braemar Hospital kitchen.

Brendon's journey to secure his dream gardening job wasn't easy, but with support from Selwyn Cook, Enrich Group NZ and Braemar Hospital, his passion has blossomed into something truly special. His hard work and love for gardening shine through in every harvest!

Read more about Brendon's inspiring story: https://www.braemarhospital.co.nz/this-is-my-happy-place/

17/07/2025

Smaller incisions. Faster healing. Better outcomes. 💙

Our da Vinci robot enables surgeons to perform complex procedures through tiny incisions, meaning: • Less pain for you • Smaller scars • Quicker recovery • Earlier return to normal activities

This is what innovation looks like when it's focused on making lives better.

It doesn’t replace the quality conventional surgery we currently provide; we’ll just be giving you more choices for some procedures in the near future.

07/07/2025

Meet the future of surgery at Braemar! 🩺

We're right now working with a group of Braemar surgeons who will train on our da Vinci Xi robot. These dedicated professionals will travel to Sydney soon for intensive training to ensure they can offer you the best possible care with this new technology.

We’ve also just appointed a new Clinical Nurse Lead Sonia George who will be who will be part of the Robotic Surgery team. Read more here: https://www.braemarhospital.co.nz/meet-sonia-george-one-of-braemar-hospitals-revolutionary-robotic-surgery-team/

Our specialists across general, urological and gynaecological surgery have expressed keen interest in mastering this technology.

Our commitment to surgical excellence means investing in our people as much as our equipment.