Braemar Hospital

24/10/2025

Great to be able to share our latest surgical innovation with Ryan Hamilton MP for Hamilton East and Hon. Simeon Brown today. Proud to be first to bring a da Vinci surgical robot to the Waikato to support our surgeons and patients. Thanks for visiting!

16/10/2025

🤖✨ Making History in the Waikato!
Last week, something extraordinary happened at Braemar Hospital. Samantha Akhtar became the first person in the Waikato to undergo robotic surgery using our new da Vinci robot.

After 18 months of severe pain, Samantha was referred for a robotic hysterectomy with Dr Tarek Saleh. Her response when told a robot would help perform her surgery? "That sounds cool."

What made this milestone even more special wasn't just the cutting-edge technology – it was the people. Charge nurse Sonia, anaesthetist Rob, and Dr Saleh held her hand (literally!) and made her feel supported every step of the way.

"This surgery has given me the freedom to be me again – and that is really huge," Samantha (pictured) says.

Dr Saleh reflects: "We're late to the party, but we're here now. I feel really lucky being the first surgeon to do robotics in the Waikato."

The benefits? Quicker recovery, less pain, smaller incisions, and reduced complications. Braemar Hospital soon will be planning having a robotic theatre operating four days a week with more surgeons being trained in gynaecology, urology, and general surgery.

Read Samantha's full story on our website. https://www.braemarhospital.co.nz/making-history-waikatos-first-robotic-surgery-at-braemar-hospital/

Here's to a new chapter in Waikato healthcare – one patient, one caring team, one incredible milestone at a time. 💙

09/10/2025

🏥 A New Zealand first for heart surgery!

Braemar Hospital is now the country's first private hospital to offer endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) – a revolutionary technique that transforms the heart bypass surgery experience.

Instead of one large 80cm incision, patients now have just three small cuts (½-2cm each). The result? Less pain, minimal scarring, faster recovery, and lower infection risk.

"It's a complete game-changer for our patients," says cardiothoracic surgeon David McCormack.

Read more about how this innovative technology is improving patient outcomes ➡️

Pictured: The team supporting endoscopic vein harvesting at Braemar. From left cardiothoracic surgeons David McCormack, Nish*th Patel, and Registered Nurse First Surgical Assistant Kelsey Abercrombie and Braemar Associate Theatre Manager Daphne Van Dam. New Zealand’s First Private Hospital to Offe...

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/