Whistleblower doctors net $9.9m in NSW budget for robotic surgery

Funding in NSW budget for 'world-class' robotic surgery in Orange Wed 24 Jun 2026 at 7:29am In short: The NSW budget includes $9.9 million to make robotic surgery available in Orange. Surgeons have been lobbying for the equipment to ensure certain operations can still be performed in western NSW. What's next? The NSW government says the project is set to be completed by 2028. Whistleblower doctors in regional NSW have won a long-running campaign to ensure they can continue to deliver "world-class" care to patients. The NSW government has announced $9.9 million in the state budget for robotic surgical equipment at Orange Health Service in the state's central west, with $2.7 million allocated in the next financial year. The budget papers show an estimated completion date in 2028. The announcement has been welcomed by Orange Health Service's head of cancer services and cancer clinical trials unit, Rob Zielinski. "A robot is not asking for something experimental or cutting edge," Dr Zielinski said. "A surgical robot is now standard equipment for cancer care in hospitals across Australia. "Our community deserves the same standard. Not second best. Not 'good enough for the regions'. The same." He said the announcement would mean regional cancer patients would be spared having to travel to Sydney for this treatment. "A surgical robot means cancer patients across our entire region can receive world-class surgery without leaving home," he said. Whistleblowers get results The budget windfall comes 13 months after senior clinicians in the area raised serious concerns about the state of health care in the region. The hospital's director of surgery, Rob Knox, and head of urology, Clair Whelan, revealed in May 2025 that doctors had been asked to reclassify cancer surgeries to avoid breaching waiting list targets. The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) rejected the claims, but NSW Health ordered a review of the re-categorisation of surgeries at Orange Hospital The doctors also raised concerns that the WNSWLHD had not supported calls to lobby for robotic surgery to be available in the region. The WNSWLHD later announced it was "reassessing" the viability of the equipment. Dr Knox said the budget announcement was a testament to doctors' efforts to advocate for patient care. "We are excited to see the government investing in the skills and enabling the capabilities of our region's clinical workforce, supporting specialist recruitment and helping us work towards our vision of a centre of excellence for regional patients," Dr Knox said. Dr Whelan said the surgical robot was vital for the future. "Until now, patients requiring complex urological procedures — such as prostate, kidney, or bladder surgery — have often needed to travel to Sydney or other major centres for robotic-assisted treatment," Dr Whelan said. "This has meant added travel time, cost, and time away from family and work, particularly burdensome for patients managing a cancer diagnosis. "With a surgical robot based locally, patients in Western NSW can access the same minimally invasive, high-precision surgery available in metropolitan hospitals. "Robotic surgery typically results in smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery, allowing patients to return home and to their normal lives sooner. "Robotic surgery in Western NSW secures the future of urology in the district," she said. Mr Park promised in August 2025 that robotic surgery would be available in Orange. "Robotic-assisted surgery is helping patients return to their families, work, and daily lives sooner,"Mr Park said. "The NSW government is committed to improving access to surgical care closer to home, reducing the need to travel long distances for treatment and recovery." The independent Member for Orange, Phil Donato, who helped lobby for the equipment, described the funding as a "landmark achievement". "This is a game-changing investment for our region and a major step forward for healthcare in country New South Wales," Mr Donato said. "This investment is not just about purchasing a piece of equipment. It is about strengthening our entire healthcare system, supporting our surgeons and ensuring Orange remains a centre of excellence for specialist healthcare in regional Australia." Dr Knox said the years of lobbying have paid off. "We are grateful to Health Minister Ryan Park and to our local [state MP] Phil Donato for their engagement and support in achieving this milestone," he said.