Robot benefits arrive at short-stay hospital

Brisbane residents can now have joint-replacement surgery at a short-stay facility thanks to an investment in robotic technology by Westside Private Hospital.

Its introduction of the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution means it can offer a level of advanced treatment usually reserved for large or tertiary hospitals.

The system provides real-time intraoperative insights, enabling surgeons to place implants with exceptional accuracy.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Cameron Cooke performed the first joint replacement using VELYS at Westside Private, part of the Nexus Hospitals group, in March 2026.

"Introducing this technology is an exciting step forward," he said.

"By combining the VELYS robot with our evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway, patients can experience improved surgical precision, enhanced recovery, and excellent outcomes all within a short-stay hospital setting."

Dr Cameron Cooke in action using the new Velys robot system, helped by an orthopaedic scrub nurse

Westside Private Hospital has been a leader in the ERAS model, which optimises every stage of the patient journey from pre-admission education to early mobilisation post-surgery.

It reduces complications, lowers opioid use, shortens hospital stays, and accelerates return to independence.

Integrating robotic precision enhances these benefits further, delivering even greater consistency and surgical accuracy.

A recent knee replacement patient whose surgery followed the ERAS pathway said the recovery model had made a huge difference to their mobility.

"Before surgery, I could barely walk more than around my yard. I couldn't do stairs, couldn't push the mower or wash the car," the patient said.

"Seven months after my knee replacement surgery, I've climbed a dozen castles while holidaying in Britain, conquered Blarney Castle in Ireland, tackled mountain ranges in northern Scotland, and walked the busy tourist streets of London."

Taringa-based Westside Private Hospital offers a No-Gap Joint Replacement Program for eligible Medibank members, in partnership with participating orthopaedic surgeons.

This program eliminates most out-of-pocket costs for hip and knee replacements, making world-class surgical care financially accessible without compromising quality.

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